How to Control Blood Sugar during Holiday Meals

Whether you are a diabetic or someone who is watching their blood sugar levels for other health reasons, holiday meals can cause havoc on your blood glucose levels. Most holiday meals contain foods rich in carbohydrates, starch and sugar which can make blood sugar levels soar. But if you make careful food choices and mix in foods high in protein, you will be able to control blood sugar levels during a holiday meal.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat healthy throughout the day. It is tempting to skip meals early in the day so you are hungry for the big holiday meal, but this will make your blood sugar unmanageable. Instead, eat a healthy breakfast and lunch so your blood sugar levels are normal when dinner time approaches.

• 2

  Feel free eat healthy vegetables and skip the other appetizers.

  Choose appetizers carefully. Appetizers are generally high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods that can do damage to your blood sugar before you even get to enjoy the meal. If fresh vegetables are offered as appetizers, go ahead and enjoy. Otherwise, skip the appetizers and wait to savor the main course.

• 3

  Wine with dinner is a good choice when trying to keep blood sugar levels down.

  Think twice about alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, especially if you haven't eaten. If you are diabetic and want an alcoholic beverage, check your blood glucose levels first then make sure you have some food with it. Another choice is to wait and have a glass of wine with dinner.

• 4

  White turkey meat is low fat and high protein, so enjoy as much as you want.

  Eat the white meat, be careful of the ham. If turkey is the main course, enjoy as much white meat as you want. Turkey is low in fat and rich in protein, which counteracts the effects of carbohydrates and sugar. If ham is served, take only a small portion. Ham is high in fat and is generally processed with salt and sugar.

• 5

  Skip the bread so you can enjoy other holiday side dishes.

  Pass on the bread. Bread, rolls and buns are high in carbohydrates and fill you up fast. Skip the bread so you can choose another holiday side-dish you enjoy and don't usually have.

• 6

  Mashed potatoes taste good but are high in carbohydrates and can raise blood sugar.

  Stick to only two or three side dishes. Side dishes at holiday meals are rich in simple carbohydrates, starch and sugar. Feel free to eat any vegetables that aren't covered in sauce and salad if it is offered. As for the mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, candied yams and cranberry sauce, you will want to watch portions and limit yourself to making only two or three choices.

• 7

  Pumpkin pie is a healthier choice for dessert.

  Give yourself time before eating dessert. It usually takes an hour for the body to feel the full impact of sugars and carbohydrates, so it is best to give your system a rest before eating any sweets. When you do have dessert, choose wisely. The pumpkin pie is healthier for you than the pecan or cream pie. If you really want to try more than one dessert, eat small portions so your blood sugar doesn't spike.

• 8

  A walk after dinner will help you maintain normal blood sugar levels.

  Take an after-dinner walk. After dinner, grab a friend or two and take a walk to boost your metabolism and help bring blood sugar back to normal levels.