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Diabetes-Friendly Holiday Meal Tips

Date: 11/18/24

The holidays are often filled with lots of food and sweets. If you have diabetes, it’s important to build your plate in a healthy way and limit your sugar and carb intake. We’ve gathered a few tips from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) on what foods to include on your plate for a tasty and diabetes-friendly holiday meal.

  • Fill half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables. Non-starchy vegetables contain fewer carbs and will not cause your blood sugar to spike. These include:
    • Broccoli
    • Asparagus
    • Squash
    • Tomatoes
    • Carrots
  • Fill a quarter of your plate with protein. Try to choose lean protein, such as:
    • Chicken
    • Turkey
    • Fish
    • Beans or plant-based meat substitutes
  • Fill the last portion of your plate with carbs. Starchy vegetables like potatoes and the grains found in pasta and tortillas have more carbs and can cause your blood sugar to rise, so choose these foods with that in mind.
  • Avoid having sugary drinks with your meal – drink water!

A healthy diet not only helps keep your diabetes in check but also helps lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. For more healthy eating tips and information about how to manage your diabetes this holiday season, check out our Diabetes Help webpage or visit the resources below: