Holidays are a special time for family and friends to gather together, usually around food! However, if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, you may feel as though you have to give up your favorites all together. Not so! With over 8% of the American population having diabetes, it is important to understand that there is no magical diabetes diet. Portion control, moderate sugar, and low fat are not just guidelines for diabetics to keep in mind, but for everyone’s health, as it really is the healthiest way to eat.
For many of us, but especially for people with diabetes, it can be challenging to stick to your healthy meal goals during this season. However, you shouldn’t have to choose between good food and your health, that’s why my passion has always been to create healthy recipes that never sacrifice flavor!
Pepper Dijon Beef Tenderloin is one of those no-fail, always enjoyed recipes, it is hard to believe this is diabetic friendly. I serve this most amazing protein-packed dish for every family holiday and dinner party. Trimmed of excess fat, tenderloin and others ending in “loin” or “round” can be your leanest cuts of meat ensuring you are eating heart healthy and low in saturated fat. Simply serve this fantastic beef tenderloin with a green salad and this unbelievably fantastic, even diabetic friendly, Yam Cornbread Stuffing – Shhhhhh! Fool your family and I promise your secret is safe with me!
Everyone loves a good cookie swap, and the delicious desserts this time of year can be a quick pitfall for someone trying to keep their blood sugar in check. But, there is no need for someone with diabetes to stay away, as so many of my trim and terrific desserts are diabetic friendly! When eaten as a part of a healthy meal plan, sweets and desserts can be enjoyed by everyone, even those with diabetes. These Peanut Butter Cookies might just be my favorite cookie and most popular one too. My KITCHEN 101 Cookbook highlights diabetic-friendly recipes making it easy for you to cook healthy! With a few simple adjustments, anyone, even those with diabetes, can enjoy yummy food anytime.
And take it from me, anyone will delightfully dig in to these scrumptious diabetic-friendly recipes, perfect for any holiday occasion!


- 1 (5-6) pound whole tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup fat free Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- Coarsely cracked black pepper
- Lay tenderloin in glass dish and season to taste.
- Cover and pat tenderloin with Italian dressing and Worcestershire sauce. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 48 hours time permitting. Let meat come to room temperature before cooking (at least one hour).
- Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Pour off marinade, cover meat with Dijon mustard and heavily with cracked black pepper. Transfer to baking dish. Cook at 500 degrees for 12 minutes and reduce temperature to 275 degrees and cook another 25-30 minutes depending on doneness.
- Terrific Tip: Remember to start marinating 48 hours before. Be sure to let meat come to room temperature before cooking.
- Nutrition Nugget: Red meat is a good source of zinc.
- Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat