Fresh Focus #13: Taste of the Holidays: Meal Planning with Diabetes

The holidays can be a magical time, but if you are a person with Diabetes, you might be worrying about controlling your blood sugar. This is a common thought, but the holidays don’t have to be a time for throwing in the towel on all the hard work you’ve done the rest of the year.

Series 3 of the Fresh Focus Podcast was created by Marion VA Healthcare System Diabetes Educators to help you tackle the 2020 holidays.

We understand the holidays can also be a challenging time, especially with modifications this year, including smaller gatherings. This year, instead of making a large turkey, you might find yourself utilizing an herb roasted turkey breast instead. Similarly, you could try mini pumpkin pie-lets to reduce the overall calories and carbs while still getting your pie fix.

For people with Diabetes, when you choose to eat all of your calories and carbohydrates at one meal, you are taking a chance of having hypoglycemia or low blood sugar during the day. Then there is a possibility to have hyperglycemia or high blood sugar after eating too much that night with one large meal. Take a listen to the podcast to learn these key points in controlling a blood sugar roller coaster:

1. Eat consistently: don’t skip meals during the day, which can lead to overeating at the big holiday meal.

2. Remember to always take your medications as ordered.

3. Utilize the healthy plate method – even at the holidays – to help fill your plate with all those good foods. Bring a delicious holiday inspired salad to the meal for a pop of green and bright red.

Now that you have your game plan, stay tuned for more Diabetes inclusive holiday eating tips. We hope you have happy, healthy holidays!

Kerri Hayden is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist