Thanksgiving is almost here and this food-centric holiday can be a challenge if you have diabetes.
But experts say Thanksgiving is a once-a-year celebration and you dont have to avoid all your favorite foods.
We spoke with dietitians for a Thanksgiving dinner guide tailored to people with diabetes.
Verywell / Mira Norian
Here are some potential diabetes-friendly swaps for classic Thanksgiving dishes.
But you’ve got the option to incorporate more vegetables into the meal.
It can fill you up without increasing your blood sugar level too drastically.
Verywell / Mira Norian
Balancing the plate with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats is especially important for people withtype 2 diabetes.
Dressing, for example, is a potential problem because it might contain sugary ingredients like raisins and apples.
Dessert
People with diabetes dont have to skip dessert.
Verywell / Mira Norian
But Arevalo recommends making a treat that offers more than just carbs.
You could do a bowl of fruit with a chocolate drizzle, or a coconut flan.
Flan is made with milk and eggstwo protein sources that counteract the carbs slightly, Arevalo said.
Verywell / Mira Norian
Here arethree fall-themed mocktail recipesfrom Verywell.
Arevalo also shared her go-to cranberry lime margarita punch that tastes like a real margarita.
Stress hormones are known to cause blood sugar fluctuations, making it difficult to follow your diabetes management plan.
Verywell / Mira Norian
Stress doesnt only affect blood sugar levels, Kimberlain added, but it also affects food choices.
you might always bring some reusable containers and offer to take leftovers home to enjoy later.
Here are eight dietitian tips to help you navigate the stuffed dining table.
And remember to factor in the extra calories and carbohydrates from mixed drinks.
Keep in mind that the meal could be running late.
If theres a delay, you dont want them injecting too early, Kimberlain said.
She added that your numbers might be slightly higher on Thanksgiving because youre off your routine.
Celebrate the day
Thanksgiving is a celebration of friends, family, and community.
What About Exercising?
Any exercise during the day will help regulate blood sugar, according to Derocha.
If your team scores then do that many jumping jacks or push-ups.
And challenge the family to it, Derocha said.
Arevalo also said children with diabetes may feel embarrassed by having different dishes made especially for them.
But Im sharing with everybody else to normalize the situation, she said.
Thanksgiving Isnt About Perfection
Thanksgiving can be manageable for people with diabetes.
Strategize in advance and limit stress where you’re able to.
Stay hydrated, add in exercise, and focus on enjoying the day.
American Diabetes Association.Alcohol & Diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and mental health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes meal planning.
