9 Tips for Blood Sugar Balancing this Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving is upon us and I love this Holiday! It is all about gratitude, family, and yes, a lot of delicious food. If you are looking to optimize your blood sugar and avoid that post-meal crash, I’m here to tell you – you don’t have to choose between enjoying the holiday and keeping your blood sugar stable. Here’s are 9 tips for blood sugar balancing this Thanksgiving! 

1. 1. 1. 1. Prioritize protein, fiber and fat! Fill at least half your plate before touching the starches with all things protein, fat and fiber! Think: turkey, deviled eggs, cheese, nuts, salad or green been casserole to blunt the glucose spike from the sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes and stuffing. Just remember though, there is room to enjoy ALL foods and keep your blood sugar balanced this Thanksgiving!
         2. Eat in the right order. The order in which we eat our food matters! Start with veggies or salad followed by protein, then save mashed potatoes, stuffing, and rolls for last. Studies show this simple trick can lower post-meal glucose by up to 40%! 
         3. Load up on non-starchy vegetables.
            Green beans, Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli, salad — pile them high. Fiber slows sugar absorption and keeps you full and keeps blood sugar balanced.
         4. Make gravy your friend (in moderation). Gravy is mostly fat and protein. A spoonful or two over turkey and veggies adds flavor without much carbohydrate impact. So give your potatoes a salty, delicious spoonful or two (or three)!
         5. Go easy on starches. Choose one “treat” starch or have smaller portions of a couple that you love.
            Skip the dinner roll and savor the stuffing or candied yams. It’s about enjoying the things you really love and passing on the things that are just okay. Your blood sugar will thank you!
         6. Walk it off — literally. This is one of our favorite traditions – a post meal walk, together as a family! A 10–15 minute after-dinner walk can drop blood sugar significantly. Bonus: you might be able to catch some Christmas lights!
         7. Stay hydrated. Dehydration makes blood sugar rise. Keep water or sparkling water handy. Add a slice of lemon or cranberry for festivity without sugar. Watch out for sugar filled cocktails or alcoholic beverages which can really through off our blood sugar.
         8. Bring a low-carb side you love. A festive salad, crispy brussels sprouts, garlic Parmesan green beans, or a cheese platter lets you eat generously while everyone else fights over the last roll.
         9. If you’re going to have pie,  have it right away! Did you know? It is best to have dessert right after the big meal? Having a slice of pie right after dinner keeps blood sugar stable because you already have protein, fat and fiber on board so have some right away versus waiting until later on an empty stomach. 

You don’t need willpower of steel and you don’t need to skip over your favorite dishes, you just need a game plan. Enjoy the people, savor the flavors, and let these small swaps keep your energy (and mood) steady all day.

I hope you enjoyed these tips for blood sugar balancing this Thanksgiving!

And Happy Thanksgiving! May your glucose be stable and your heart (and plate) be full! 

If you are looking for a deep dive into your blood sugar or metabolic health – schedule a free 15 minute consultation call with Alison at Well North Functional Medicine before the end of the year!