It is that time of year again! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and people with diabetes often wonder how to enjoy this holiday with their families.
It may seem like a daunting task, but if you follow these few tips for getting through a diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving, your blood sugar will be thankful, too.
Keep your blood sugars balanced by taking medications on time, and as needed
During all of the time with family, it can be difficult to remember to take care as you need to. It’s OK to step away and check-in when you need to. Whether it’s to check your numbers, bolus, or take your oral meds, don’t be afraid to step away and take the time you need.
Consider your portions to keep your blood sugars from getting too high
When diabetes and Thanksgiving come together, it’s common for people to decrease their food intake beforehand, so they can “make room” for the Thanksgiving goodness. But, not eating at regular mealtimes can cause you to overeat later, and raise your blood sugars. Think about the days in moderation, and understand your portions, and how different foods might affect blood sugars as you build your plate.
Eat your veggies and protein before your carbs/sugar
To flatten your glucose curve, and avoid spiking too high, be sure to eat your veggies and proteins prior to your carbs. The fiber and protein will help to slow your glucose spike.
Looking for ways to “hack” your glucose can help you reduce post-meal spikes overall. Though you might not be able to completely avoid them, it will give you some wiggle room to enjoy.
Don’t feel guilty if your blood sugars don’t stay in range
I sometimes agonize over Thanksgiving and what my blood sugars have done that day. Sometimes it’s OK to just let. it. go. Seriously. Blood sugars can sometimes be unpredictable, and Thanksgiving is no different.
I tend to relax about my numbers a little bit during holidays. It’s not to say I go nuts and eat everything in sight. But I recognize that I might be dealing with highs because my eating pattern is different. It’s important to find the perspective you need to cope with what the rollercoaster might look like that day.
Delicious, diabetes-friendly recipes for your Thanksgiving table
It’s always great to have choices when it comes to your Thanksgiving spread. It’s ok to have the regulars like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, collards, sweet potato pie. But if you’re looking for swaps, I have you covered.
Cauliflower Puree
While these aren't mashed potatoes, making a cauliflower puree can be a really delicious option in place of potatoes (or add them to your potatoes to increase fiber content. No one will be any the wiser).
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No-bake pumpkin pie cheesecake
Want a no-bake cheesecake option? Try this one that blends together a perfect mix of fall ingredients, and even serves up on a nut-based crust,
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Broccolini with a honey mustard vinaigrette
Broccolini is a delicious side, and simple to.make. Try this variation for lots of flavor and crunch for a fancy veggie side dish.
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Jamaican Oxtail
My family is Jamaican and we LOVE Oxtail for a holiday. Because this cut of beef has become so much more expensive in recent years, it has definitely become more of a holiday tradition. If you want to cook up another protein option beside your turkey or ham, this one is it.
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Keto Pumpkin Bread
Need a little sweet treat after dinner? You can make my keto pumpkin bread ahead, and enjoy after dinner, or for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving.
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