Ready or not, the holiday season is here! While this season is all about merry, bright, and definitely delicious, it’s not always smooth sailing when it comes to blood sugar levels (we’re looking at you, festive cocktails and endless gingerbread cookies). But here’s the good news. You don’t have to miss out on the magic of staying healthy. As a nutritional consultant, I’ve helped countless clients avoid feeling tired and deprived during this time. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite smart blood sugar tips for a balanced holiday season. Enjoy the festival and toast meanwhile Keep your body happy.
The basics of blood sugar levels (and why they matter)
Blood sugar, or glucose, is the sugar in the bloodstream that provides energy to the body and brain. Every carbohydrate you eat, from fruit to bread to cookies, is broken down into glucose. And you need this glucose to do everything from brushing your teeth to lifting weights to keeping your energy constant. But when our blood sugar levels spike or plummet (from overindulging in indulgent snacks or refined carbohydrates), we feel exhausted, light-headed, and irritable. And of course, all this makes it much more difficult to enjoy your vacation.
Blood sugar level = amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood at any given time.
Morning rituals that set the mood
Let’s start in the morning. After all, how you start your day sets the tone for your blood sugar levels. These simple morning rituals are my go-to way to keep my blood sugar levels steady.
1. Eat a full-fledged breakfast
one of the best What you can do to improve your blood sugar levels (and your mood) is to start your day with a balanced meal. Skipping breakfast (or eating a bagel on the go) causes a spike in cortisol. And this increases cravings and energy crashes later on. Instead, aim to consume at least 20 grams of protein. Prepare creamy pumpkin pie overnight oats with scrambled eggs, enjoy a Greek yogurt bowl with chia seeds and homemade granola, or make a smoothie with protein powder and tahini.
Are you traveling in the morning? Have some protein-rich snacks on hand. Think protein bars, beef jerky, roasted chickpeas, etc. That way you won’t have to be at the mercy of airport food.
2. Hydrate before coffee
While it’s easy to consume caffeine first thing in the morning, staying hydrated can help regulate energy and support digestion first thing in the morning. Drink a glass of water (containing electrolytes) before drinking your latte. the study It’s proven that it’s the small habits that make a big difference.
3. Move (even for a short time)
A short walk or a few minutes of movement in the morning will help your body use glucose more efficiently and stabilize your energy for tomorrow. Think of it as revving up your metabolism before you get busy.
How to assemble a meal
At the end of the day, a balanced diet is important. Focus on your plate instead of counting calories composition. What actually happens:
- Fill half of your plate with vegetables (the more, the better!)
- Add a fist-sized amount of protein (at least 20 grams of protein)
- Include 1-2 healthy fat sources
- Consume moderate amounts of carbohydrates from whole foods like quinoa, sweet potatoes, and fruit (1/2 to 1 cup)
Fiber slows digestion and stabilizes blood sugar levels, and the combination of carbohydrates with protein and fat prevents spikes and spikes in blood sugar levels. This plate method will help you feel satisfied even with richer holiday meals than usual, making it easier to eat what you love without feeling guilty.
Visual Guide: Thanksgiving Plate
To make these tips even easier to understand, imagine your plate divided into simple sections. Each half is piled high with vegetables (roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a simple salad) to automatically add fiber and micronutrients. A quarter should be protein, such as turkey or ham, or vegetarian, such as lentils or beans. The remaining quarter contains healthy fats and can also be used to drizzle vegetables with gravy or butter. Whole food carbohydrates (mashed or roasted sweet potatoes, stuffing, or a humble slice of pie), along with protein and fat, slow digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.
This approach allows you to enjoy all the traditional Thanksgiving flavors while keeping your energy consistent and avoiding the post-meal slump that can leave you feeling sluggish.
Enjoy snacks without feeling guilty
Of course, holidays are a time for reward and celebration. There’s no need to skip dessert or cocktails to maintain balance. Eating something sweet immediately after a meal will lessen the spike in blood sugar levels, while trying low-glycemic alternatives like almond flour or allulose can reduce the impact on your glucose. When it comes to drinks, low-carb options like dry wine, tequila with soda, or vodka spritz can help prevent unnecessary blood sugar spikes caused by alcohol. And don’t forget to stay hydrated! Drinking alternately with water or carbonated mineral water will keep you hydrated and support steady energy.
movement and thinking
movements and thoughts, equally important. A short walk after a meal, a few minutes of light housework (unavoidable if you have guests over!), or even dancing around the kitchen can help your muscles absorb glucose and stabilize your energy levels. Checking your hunger and fullness before eating promotes careful and intuitive choices. This season isn’t about restricting your food or “burning it out.” It’s important to enjoy the things you love while maintaining balance and energy for the days ahead.
Keep it simple and fun
As a nutritional consultant, I’ve seen year after year how powerful small consistent habits can be. There’s no need to overhaul your diet or skip the things that make your holidays special. Start with one or two things you feel you can do, like a protein-rich breakfast, a walk after dinner, or adding more vegetables to your table. These holiday health tips aren’t about poverty. They aim to maintain peace of mind. So whether you’re traveling, hosting, or learning how to manage your blood sugar levels for the first time, keep this in mind. You can enjoy the season. and Please do your best.
This post was last updated on November 21, 2025 with new insights.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
