Published:
November 15, 2021
Holidays mean spending time with friends and family, being grateful for those around you, and eating good food. With all the fun and excitement, it can be easy to overindulge.
In fact, according the Calorie Control Council, Americans may consume more than 4,500 calories for their Thanksgiving meal, and similar amounts at other holiday meals. Most of us only need 2,000 calories per day and many of us need much less.
For someone who has diabetes, holidays can be quite a challenge. However, there are ways to control your blood sugars, while still enjoying grandma’s most delicious recipes.
Here are some tips to keep you happy AND healthy during the holidays:
Don’t Skip Breakfast and Lunch
You may think skipping breakfast and lunch will save you many calories for the big holiday dinner. However, if you’re ravenous by the time you finally get to eat, you may overindulge and consume even more calories than you would have if you had simply eaten balanced meals throughout the day. Maintain your normal eating routine and focus on fruits, vegetables and lean proteins during the day to keep your blood sugars stable and appetite in check.
Skip of Limit Hors d'oeuvres
Hors d’oeuvres tend to be little carb and calorie bombs. Although they seem small and harmless, foods like cheese and crackers are high in calories and carbohydrates. Stick to lower calorie options to curb your appetite before the big meal. Try foods like veggies with Greek yogurt dip or fruit. If you can, distance yourself from the kitchen to avoid mindless eating.
Be Selective
Pick the foods that are most important to you. Before you start serving yourself, take a look at everything available. Pick the top 3-4 items that you MUST try. Only allow those items on your plate. Avoid trying every food simply because it’s there.
Don’t Forget Non-Starchy Veggies
Perhaps you won’t practice the Plate Method on holidays and make half of your plate vegetables, a quarter carbs, and a quarter protein, but try to not omit vegetables entirely. Vegetables are low in calories and carbohydrates and high in fiber. They’ll help fill you up and may prevent you from over-eating the starchy foods.
The 15-Minute Rule
We’ve all been there. We’re so excited for the meal that we inhale what is in front of us and quickly get more. This typically leaves us feeling overly stuffed. This year, wait 15 minutes before getting a second plate of food. Your body and blood sugars will thank you because you’ll likely feel too full to eat more.
Split Dessert
Most people offer more than one dessert. If there are a number of desserts you want to try, decide on one or two and take half portions of each to minimize sugar and calories. Better yet, skip dessert if you’re too full and enjoy a slice of pie another day (ideally with a healthier meal).
Remember, holidays are days to focus on what is important in your life. Enjoy your favorite foods, but try to do so in moderation. Hopefully, some of these tips will help you do just that!
For information on calories in your favorite Thanksgiving foods, check out this article from Consumer Reports.
Learn Your Risk for Diabetes
One in 3 American adults has prediabetes, and more than 84% of people with prediabetes don’t know they have it. So, take a risk test now to see where you stand.
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