Navigating Gestational Diabetes and Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food. 

If you are managing gestational diabetes, you can still enjoy the holiday with thoughtful planning!

Below, South Shore Hospital's Clinical Nutrition Team offers some tips to help keep your blood sugar stable while savoring your favorite dishes.

Eat Regularly

Avoid skipping meals to “save room” for dinner, as this can cause blood sugar dips and overeating later. Instead, eat consistently throughout the day. 

If possible, consider splitting up your Thanksgiving meal into two meals. 

This can help you to enjoy your favorite foods while also spreading out the foods throughout the day to help with blood sugar.

Practice Mindful Eating

Lingering near the food table often leads to mindless eating. 

Focus on mindful eating by being intentional with each bite, savoring the taste, texture, and aroma, and responding to hunger cues.

Plan Your Plate 

Planning ahead can help you avoid sudden cravings and overeating:

• Load Up on Veggies: Fill half your plate with non-starchy veggies for fiber and nutrients that won’t spike blood sugar.
• Prioritize Protein: Begin your meal with protein like turkey or lean meats to stabilize blood sugar and increase fullness.
• Portion out Carbs: Identify your favorite high-carb dishes and enjoy moderate portions. Try to eat fiber and protein first, then savor the carb dishes mindfully — it’s about balance, not restriction.

Be Cautious with Sauces and Sides

Gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce often contain sugar and refined carbs. 

Keep portions small to prevent spikes.

Bring a Healthy Dish

Preparing a gestational diabetes-friendly option to share is a great way to ensure you have balanced choices. 

Stay Hydrated with Non-Caloric Drinks

Don’t forget to stay hydrated, as water plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal blood sugar. 

Water or seltzer flavored with lemon or lime or unsweetened iced tea are all smart choices. 

Sugary beverages can quickly spike blood sugar levels and are best to avoid.

Move after Your Meal

If no contraindications, walking after your meal has been shown to support blood sugar regulation. 

Try to get outside for 10 minutes for some fresh air and movement after a meal.

Give Yourself Grace

The holidays can be a hard time for anyone to stick to healthy eating habits. Don’t get discouraged if you have a high reading and refocus for the next meal. 

Give yourself a high-five for all the things that you did well!

Below, you can find links to resources, including carb counts and recipes, to help you navigate Thanksgiving successfully:

• Carbohydrate Counts for Thanksgiving Staples
• Recipe Ideas: Sweet Potato Casserole and Low-Carb Cornbread
• Recipe Ideas: Cornbread Stuffing and Lower-Carb Cranberry Sauce