4 Simple Tips to Manage your Blood Sugar this Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! While the holidays are often a great time of the year spent with friends and family, it can be stressful for many people. It is often filled with many different foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates, which can make it difficult for someone who is on a wellness journey. However, we do have some simple health tips to help balance out your day.
Step 1: The first tip to manage blood sugar this Thanksgiving is to try and prioritize protein, and one easy way to do this is with the center of the meal – the turkey! By consuming protein first and then consuming the food that is higher in carbohydrates and fat, it will result in a smaller spike in blood glucose, which will ultimately help you feel more energized. Many people are aware that turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps to make you tired from the production of melatonin. While this can be partially to blame for the tiredness you feel after eating Thanksgiving dinner, the tiredness can also come from the sudden rise and falls of your blood glucose! So, prioritizing protein can help maintain more steadiness in your blood sugar.
Step 2: Another tip to help manage your blood sugar is to eat breakfast! Many people think that it’s better to skip breakfast on Thanksgiving and save more room for the big dinner and desserts later in the day. However, eating breakfast is an easy way to set yourself up for success! Distributing both your calories and protein throughout the day is going to help manage your blood sugar levels and prevent overeating. Bonus points if it’s high in protein!
Step 3: The third tip is to try and stay active! Walking after your Thanksgiving meal (or any meal in general) is great for combatting the blood-glucose spike. When you engage in physical activity after eating, your body utilizes glucose for energy, which helps to decrease your overall blood glucose!
Step 4: The fourth and final tip to managing blood sugar on Thanksgiving is to try and stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is a great way to help your kidneys flush out toxins and excess sugar from your blood. It can also help prevent you from overeating by creating a natural feeling of fullness!
Have a great Thanksgiving! Remember to enjoy your day spent with friends and family. Everything is okay in moderation, and don’t skip out on your favorite foods!