Thanksgiving Health Tips

Happy Thanksgiving from the Kovler family to yours! Here are a few holiday health tips from Certified Diabetes Educator Julia Socke to help you enjoy the meal while also making good choices:

1.  Try not to save calories by skipping meals.  This will help you to make more sensible choices and to control your portions better.

2.  Go easy on the appetizers.  Stick with the veggie platter or salad to start so that you can spend your extra calories on your holiday favorites.

3.  Focus your attention on your “favorites.”  Many times we eat simply because it is there and available.  But if you can narrow down which dishes you desire the most you can better control your calories and carbs.

4.  Try filling up 1/2 of your plate with vegetables to help limit portions of higher carb/calorie foods.

5.  Move!  It is a smart idea to move around after you’ve had a larger than normal meal.  Volunteer to help with the dishes or mingle with others at the party.  The exercise can help to lower blood sugar and burn some extra calories.

6.  Plan ahead.  If you are unsure of the carbohydrate content of your favorite recipes, utilize web apps or other websites that can calculate the carbs for you based on your ingredients and serving size.

It is totally possible to have a great holiday and enjoy the special meal while also taking care of your diabetes!

Julia Socke, RD, LDN, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Outreach Coordinator