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Thanksgiving and other holidays that are centered around an abundance of food can be challenging for someone with diabetes. Traditional Thanksgiving foods like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are high in calories and carbohydrates. With some careful planning and creativity, a person with diabetes can eat a delicious Thanksgiving meal with their friends and family while keeping their blood sugar under control.  

A great way to check your blood sugar if you are diabetic is through continuous glucose monitoring. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a CGM automatically tracks blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, throughout the day and night. You can see your glucose level anytime and you can also review how your glucose changes over a few hours. Seeing glucose levels in real-time can help you make more informed decisions throughout the day about how to balance your food, physical activity, and medicines. 

Diabetes-Friendly Stuffing 

This stuffing is a fantastic way to be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving favorite! Substitute fat-free chicken or veggie broth for most of the butter and use whole-grain bread. It is also important to add generous amounts of chopped vegetables such as celery, carrots, onion, cauliflower, nuts, pumpkin, chia, or sunflower seeds. 

Roasted Veggies 

Instead of eating mashed potatoes, opt for roasted veggies like carrots, green beans, broccoli, zucchini, and mushrooms. 

Whole Grain Bread 

Instead of eating white bread and processed flours, substitute whole grain bread and whole wheat and nut flours. 

Sweet Potatoes with Egg Meringue Topping 

Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but the marshmallow topping makes them unobtainable for those with diabetes. Try eating sweet potatoes with egg meringue topping instead.  

Cranberry Compote Sweetened with Stevia 

Canned cranberry sauce is high in sugar, calories, and carbs. This Thanksgiving, eat cranberry compote sweetened with Stevia for a healthier alternative. Stevia is a healthier alternative to all the sugar in cranberry sauce. 

On Thanksgiving, it is easy to consume loads of carbs and calories while you’re visiting with friends and family all day. We hope these healthy food alternatives allow you to safely enjoy Thanksgiving this year while allowing more inclusive options for all!