For many type 1 diabetics, Thanksgiving is a pretty stressful day.
We basically assume that our blood sugars are going to be all over the place (mostly high) due to all of the delicious food on the menu for the day. There are always so many dishes that it becomes hard to properly count your carbs without estimating a lot of it. Ive thought long and hard about this and have put together a list of tips for cutting both carbs and stress during thanksgiving.
Grab smaller portions and opt for low carb options
If you’re like me, you want to try absolutely everything on Thanksgiving. Rather than stockpiling foods that are high in carbs on my plate (mac and cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes), I add smaller portions and then fill the rest of my plate with options that don’t require insulin (meats, cheeses, turkey, green beans, salad, etc). That way I create more of a balance, use less insulin and still enjoy the best parts of the day (the carbs, obviously).
Bring your own low carb dishes
Make your own low carb dish to add to the celebration so you know there’s food to fall back on if your blood sugars aren’t cooperating. Show up with a festive thanksgiving low carb cheese plate, bring a veggie platter, or even opt for sprouted whole grain dinner rolls from Angelic Bakehouse. (no cooking required!) They are made with sprouted grain and contain more fiber to help keep your blood sugars from spiking after consuming — unlike other rolls or biscuits being served at thanksgiving. (oh and they taste REAL GOOD)
Avoid sugary drinks
Although it’s a fun part of the holiday, drinking your carbohydrates can be tricky and just lead to additional stress on Thanksgiving. Hot apple cider is delicious but also full of hard to calculate carbohydrates, especially if some family members made it from scratch without the nutrition label. Stick with sparkling water, diet soda, or a festive vodka with sugar-free cranberry and a cinnamon stick to stir. (you’re welcome)
Two words: Pre Bolus
Try as hard as you can to calculate your carbohydrates and take your insulin 15-30 minutes prior to eating! (you know your body best so do what works for you. if you have a faster acting insulin like fiasp, then obviously don’t wait to eat) I would suggest even breaking it into smaller doses as dinner comes closer. This way your numbers won’t spike as drastically once you start eating since your body will be expecting it. Do what is best for you!
I hope these tips are helpful to de-stress your thanksgiving as a type 1 diabetic. If you end up using any of them, be sure to tag me in a post to let me know which one. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and get to spend it with the ones you love!
– Ariana
This is a sponsored post by Angelic Bakehouse. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. Find their sprouted grain dinner rolls here.
