What Foods to Choose for a Diabetic-Friendly Thanksgiving Meal

Everyone enjoys a big Thanksgiving meal but if you are a diabetic, all the carbohydrate side-dishes, rich sauces and sugar-filled desserts can cause havoc to your blood sugar. If you are preparing your own Thanksgiving meal, you are able to choose healthy recipes. But if you are eating at a family member's or friend's house, you will have to be careful about the food choices you make. Here are some tips on how to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner while keeping your blood sugar on an even scale.

Don't Skip Meals

Diabetics need to eat several small meals during the day to keep their blood sugar levels even. Eat a nutritious breakfast and lunch as you would on a normal day. You will still have room for the delicious Thanksgiving meal while maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.

Go Light on the Appetizers.

If fresh vegetables or fruit are offered go ahead and have an appetizer, otherwise it is better to skip them. Most appetizers are high in fat or heavy on carbohydrates. If you are hungry, have one or two but limit how many you eat so you will be able to enjoy the dinner.

Limit the Alcohol.

Alcoholic beverages are high in sugar and empty calories and can raise your blood sugar levels considerably. If you feel the need to have a drink, have a glass of wine with dinner.

Choose White Meat.

White turkey meat is healthy for you and won't affect your blood sugar levels. It is full of protein and has very little fat, so fill your plate and eat the white meat without guilt. If ham is served, take only a small piece or avoid it altogether. Ham is high in fat and most have high quantities of sugar added, so it is best to avoid it.

Choose Side-Dishes Carefully.

Almost every side-dish at Thanksgiving dinner is packed full of carbohydrates. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, yams, corn, jelled cranberry sauce and gravy are full of sugar, starches and carbs. Choose only one or two small helpings of side-dishes to go along with your turkey. Skip the gravy if you can, otherwise count it as one of your side-dish choices. If the cranberry sauce is homemade, with little to no sugar added, you can enjoy some of that. You are also safe with green salad if it is served, or vegetables that are baked or steamed and served without sauces. Be choosy so you don't overload on carbohydrates and make your blood sugar levels raise drastically.

Skip the Bread.

If rolls, buns or bread are served, skip them so you can enjoy one of the tasty side-dishes instead. Compromise is the name of the game at Thanksgiving dinner. Remember, you can eat bread anytime, so enjoy one or two of the other tasty sides instead.

Wait to Eat Dessert

You don't have to deny yourself dessert, but it is best to wait 1-2 hours before having it. This will give your body time to adjust to the foods you have already eaten and allow your blood sugar levels to stay even. When you do eat dessert, choose carefully. A small piece of pumpkin pie is better for you than cream or pecan pie. If you must try two desserts, take only very small portions, like a bite or two of each.

Add in a Quick Walk

After dinner it may be a good idea to take a quick walk to give your metabolism a boost. A walk after a heavy meal is good for everyone, so ask family and friends to join you.

Enjoy the Holiday

Thanksgiving is meant to be enjoyed and just because you are limited in what you can eat doesn't mean you can't have a good time. Remember, Thanksgiving is about more than just the food, it is bringing family and friends together to enjoy each other. Play board games, start an impromptu football game outdoors or share memories and photos with each other. This is a day to be thankful you are all together no matter what you can and cannot eat.