Diabetic Thanksgiving cooking, how to??

For someone monitoring his or her blood sugar, indulging in a traditional Thanksgiving feast can be distressing. From the carb-laden appetizers to the sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie, it’s easy to throw caution to the wind when low-sugar options are spars.

A diabetic should be snacking on a little something every few hours to keep blood sugar levels in check. It would not be wise to attempt to fast the whole day leading up to the big meal. This could result in your blood sugar dropping too low and leave you feeling lethargic and dizzy. Instead, aim to incorporate snacks with protein, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats every few hours.

  A ton of easy substitutions can make lightening the carbohydrate and sugar content of Thanksgiving staples a breeze. In fact, we’ll walk you through every inch of the traditional spread to make it fail-proof.

Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which you want plenty of on this holiday. Consuming protein in combination with carbohydrates and sugar will help prevent spikes in blood sugar and keep you feeling satiated. We recommend keeping the seasoning simple and avoiding any maple or brown sugar glazes.

A straightforward holiday stuffing calls for great bread; we recommend choosing a bakery loaf of whole-grain for nutty, toasty dimension and fiber. The fiber will help keep high blood sugars at bay despite the heavy carb load. For flavor, choose aromatics such as onion, garlic, celery, carrot, and herbs; skip the dried fruit.

Green Bean Casserole: Luckily, this side dish is typically low in sugar and one you want to include on your plate. For a heart-healthy dose of sugar-stabilizing fat, add a handful of chopped nuts on top. As a general rule of thumb, you should fill up half of your plate with fruits and vegetables and leave the remaining space to occupy protein and starch. In addition to green bean casserole, reach for a serving of roasted sheet pan vegetables, carrots, sautéed greens, or cauliflower

Sweet Potato Casserole: Oh, the humble sweet potato. Since when did people start loading you with melted marshmallows and a day's worth of sugar? Sweet potato casserole does not have to taste like dessert to be delicious and festive. In fact, there is something to be said about unembellished sweet potatoes that showcase only their natural sweetness. Skip the sugar-laden junk and top your mashed spuds with roasted pecans, granola, or browned butter and sage

Whether it’s you or a loved one trying to navigate the diabetic highway on the biggest eating holiday of the year, by using these tips and recipes, you're sure to produce a spread the whole family will love. Don’t forget to incorporate some fun physical activity throughout the day, too. Go on a family walk or throw the Frisbee outside. Every little bit counts.