How to MINDFULLY master Thanksgiving with diabetes

There's a simple answer to mastering Thanksgiving + diabetes. 
Stop obsessing and start enjoying. 
Turkey is good for you. 
Vegetables are good for you.
Desert is good for you (for the soul in moderation).
Connection with people you love - on Zoom/proactive distance...is right for you. 

What is harmful is fear, anxiety, and overthinking.
As long as you are doing the work most of the time, there should be no guilt involved in celebrations with food. 

Here's some simple strategies I implement:

• Maintain routines. Have a morning meditation practice? Make sure you're not setting these rituals aside. Check out some of my free yoga therapy for diabetes practices. 
• Watch your snacking and stack bolusing - Pick something substantial instead of grazing (with some fat, carb, and protein) that will fill you up, so you avoid crashing low later. 
• Eat breakfast. Don't "save" your appetite. It will just risk hypoglycemia, hunger + extra snacking. 
• Remember fat + fiber take longer to digest. I am on a Medtronic 670g pump in auto mode. Instead of a dual or square wave, take mini-boluses every 1-2 hours to compensate for digestion rate if you're on a loop. 
• Drink water - like tons of it. Add lemon or electrolytes. If you drink alcohol, limit it and intersperse 8oz of water between drinks. 
• Dedicate your morning to movement. Get outside if you can and breathe. 
• Take breaks - This year is more low-key in terms of size of family gatherings but still take time-outs. Meditate, go on a walk. Check out this meditation recording mid-day. 

Have I missed anything? Share this list with anyone who might need a reminder. 


I hope you all have a healthy, happy, and safe holiday!