Type 2 Diabetes Management

Thanksgiving Tips for Type 2 Diabetes Management

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Lu Young RN

Thanksgiving can be a real diet minefield for diabetics if let it.  All the starchy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, etc.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Here are some Thanksgiving tips for type 2 diabetes management:

Be mindful of every bite.  Be grateful for every bite.

Go for fresh and simple.  Green bean casseroles are yummy, indeed.  But, have you tried plain steamed green beans with a little seasoning and salt?  So fresh and flavorful and a perfect compliment to other heavier foods.  Easy to make too!

Distract yourself from food.  I’m bopping along to music, talking and joking with others, seeing what interesting special is on TV, etc.  You too, can balance out the large meal you’re going to have by getting up after dinner and trading seconds for a fun impromptu dance in the living room.  Or karaoke.  Or whatever, you get the point.

Be picky.  I don’t eat certain dishes every Thanksgiving.  Not because I don’t like them.  It’s just that I like other dishes more.  So by being a little picky, I can reduce lots of calories and carbs and still enjoy some of what I really love-like dessert!

Focus on people.  Ask anyone what they think is most important about a Thanksgiving gathering.  “People, loved ones, family, friends” is usually the answer.  A great way to distract from food is to focus on all the conversations you have with family and friends.  Act like food isn’t the main attraction (even if it is).

Get creative.  I once knew a family that had an interesting way of avoiding over-eating.  Instead of eating and then lingering at a table covered with possible second helpings, everyone would eat slowly and when everybody finished, they’d all get up and help out with clearing the table.  They would just leave out water and wine and sit and talk without all the food tempting them to eat some more.  They would soon relocate to the living room for more talking, TV, music, and games.  And everyone went to bed without feeling like a stuffed turkey.

Tweak holiday meals.  You don’t have to replace your favorite dishes.  You can do a lot of good by just searching for healthier alternatives online.  Try a search, I guarantee you’ll find lots of raved about recipes.

Breathe deeply.  Holidays are stressful.  Lots of heart attacks occur on Thanksgiving and the days surrounding Thanksgiving.  Try to remind yourself to breathe deeply throughout the day and try not to sweat the small stuff.

Last but definitely not least, don’t forget to test.  In particular, don’t test right before eating, test an hour before eating.  Trust me, you don’t want to find out your blood sugar is high right before eating.  This happened to me once and I sure regretted having to eat dinner all alone at the table an hour after everyone else.

It may seem a bit much to go to so much trouble for your health on Thanksgiving but, remember, one of the greatest things to be thankful for is your health.  Treat your body like you’re truly thankful for it.  Unlike all that stuffing, it always loves you back in the end.

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It may seem that Thanksgiving is just focused on food, but you can change that.

Make it a practice this year to sit down with your friends and family (away from the food) and start with one person, have them state what they are thankful this year and go on to the next person.  Go around at least twice.  This is my favorite Thanksgiving tip for type 2 diabetes management.  Think about the year since last Thanksgiving.  Make the holiday one of reflection and be grateful for all that you have.