​Thanksgiving is often the kickoff to holiday gatherings with family and friends. For those living with diabetes it can be challenging to control blood sugars while enjoying the food and festivities. Applying some basic tips can help maintain balanced glucose levels without missing any of the merriment of the day.

• Keep your regular eating schedule. Have breakfast and even a late morning snack. Eating every few hours will help keep your blood sugars level and prevent you from overeating during the Thanksgiving meal.
• Choose healthy, low carb snacks. Raw veggies, nuts or cheese are good options for munching.
• Limit alcohol. Water is always best for hydration, but if you opt for a drink have it with dinner. Try wine diluted with seltzer to make a refreshing spritzer.
• Fill half the plate with vegetables. Leafy salads, sting beans, broccoli or other non-starchy vegetables are the way to go.
• Reduce fat. Choose the turkey breast without the skin. If dark meat is must go with the thigh or leg without the skin. Keep in mind dark meat is higher in saturated fat, cholesterol and calories.
• Be selective.  It's easy to overeat, especially with carbs. Pick one or two the starchy items like potatoes or stuffing. Having a hard time choosing? Try a small sampling of all the offerings but be mindful not to exceed the amounts you would have during a regular meal.
• Save room for dessert.  Want that pie? Skip the roll at dinner and maybe even the toast at breakfast. Balance out carbohydrates by skipping ones earlier in the day if you really want that piece of pie.  
• Bring a healthy option. Contribute to the meal with something you can enjoy without concern. A vegetable dish or dessert made without sugar or using a sugar alternative are great choices.  
• Avoid the extras.  Toppings, gravy, whip cream, and sauces are hidden sources of added sugars and extra calories. Limit these additions to help avoid spikes in your glucose levels.
• Get active. Use some of the extra calories you may have eaten. A good way to balance out your day would be to take a walk with the family, play a little ball or dance with kids... just be active. Make it part of the holiday tradition.

Using these tips can help achieve normal glucose levels without feeling deprived. Follow these strategies to assure that the holiday time is also a healthy time.

References:

Bobroff LB, Hillan J, Minton E. Healthy Eating: Nutrition and Diabetes. EDIS New Publications RSS. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy685. Published October 15, 2018. Accessed October 23, 2018.

The Lowdown on Diabetes. Eat Right. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/health/diseases-and-conditions/diabetes/the-lowdown-on-diabetes. Accessed October 23, 2018.

Planning Ahead. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/holiday-meal-planning/planning-ahead.html. Accessed October 23, 2018.