A Nutritionist’s Guide to Managing Blood Sugar During the Holidays

Ready or not, the holidays are here! And while this season brings all things merry and bright and undeniably delicious, it’s not exactly smooth sailing for blood sugar (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 to stay well. As a nutrition consultant, I’ve helped countless clients navigate this time of year without feeling drained or deprived. Let’s dive into my favorite smart blood sugar tips for a balanced holiday season. Cheers to enjoying the festivities while keeping your body happy.

The Basics of Blood Sugar (And Why It Matters)

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the sugar in your bloodstream that fuels your body and brain. Every carb you eat—from fruit to bread to cookies—gets broken down into glucose. And we need this glucose to power everything from brushing our teeth to lifting weights to keeping our energy steady. But when blood sugar spikes and crashes (thanks to indulgent treats or too many refined carbs), we feel drained, foggy, or irritable. And of course, all of those things make enjoying the holidays a lot harder.

Blood sugar = The amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood at any given time.

Morning Rituals That Set the Tone

Let’s start with the morning. After all, the way you begin your day sets the tone for your blood sugar. These simple morning rituals are my go-to ways to keep glucose steady.

1. Eat a Real Breakfast

One of the best things you can do for your blood sugar (and your mood) is to start your day with a balanced meal. Skipping breakfast (or grabbing a bagel on the go) spikes cortisol. And this increases cravings and energy crashes later. Instead, aim for at least 20 grams of protein. Prep a batch of creamy pumpkin pie overnight oats to have with scrambled eggs, enjoy a Greek yogurt bowl with chia seeds and homemade granola, or whip up a smoothie made with protein powder and tahini.

Traveling in the morning? Pack a few protein-rich snacks. Think a protein bar, beef jerky, roasted chickpeas, etc. That way, you’re not at the mercy of airport food.

2. Hydrate Before Coffee

It’s easy to wake up and reach straight for caffeine, but hydration helps regulate energy and supports digestion first thing in the morning. Drink a full glass of water (with electrolytes) before your latte. Research proves it’s a small habit that makes a big difference.

3. Move (Even Briefly)

A short morning walk or a few minutes of mobility helps your body use glucose more efficiently and steadies your energy for the day ahead. Think of it as setting your metabolism in motion before things get busy.

How to Build Your Meals

Once the day is rolling, balanced meals are key. Rather than counting calories, focus on plate composition. What that looks like in practice:

• Fill half your plate with veggies (the more the merrier!)
• Add a fist-size portion of protein (20+ grams of protein)
• Include 1-2 sources of healthy fats
• Enjoy moderate portions of whole-food carbs like quinoa, sweet potatoes, or fruit (1/2-1 cup)

Fiber slows digestion and keeps blood sugar steady, while pairing carbs with protein or fat prevents rapid spikes and crashes. This plate method helps you feel satisfied, even when holiday meals are richer than usual, and make it easier to enjoy the foods you love without guilt.

A Visual Guide: Your Thanksgiving Plate

To make these tips even easier, imagine your plate divided into simple sections. Half of it is piled high with veggies—roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a simple salad—adding fiber and micronutrients automatically. One-quarter is protein, like turkey, ham, or a vegetarian option with lentils or beans! The remaining quarter can include healthy fats, which yes, can be gravy or butter on your veggies. Whole-food carbs (mashed or roasted sweet potatoes, stuffing, or a modest slice of pie) fit alongside the protein and fat to slow digestion and keep blood sugar steady.

This approach lets you enjoy all the classic Thanksgiving flavors while keeping your energy consistent and avoiding the post-meal crash that can leave you sluggish.

Enjoy Treats Without the Guilt

Of course, the holidays are a time for treats and celebrations. You don’t have to skip dessert or cocktails to stay balanced. Eating sweets (shortly after) a meal buffers blood sugar spikes, while experimenting with lower-glycemic swaps—like almond flour or allulose—can reduce the impact on glucose. For drinks, lower-sugar options like dry wine, tequila with soda, or a vodka spritz keep alcohol from causing unnecessary blood sugar swings. And don’t forget to hydrate! Alternating with water or sparkling mineral water keeps you hydrated and supports steady energy.

Movement and Mindset

Movement and mindset are equally important. Even a brief walk after meals, a few minutes of light house chores (inevitable if you’ve had guests!), or dancing in the kitchen helps your muscles absorb glucose and keeps energy levels steady. Checking in with your hunger and fullness cues before eating encourages mindful, intuitive choices. This season isn’t about restriction or “burning off” food—it’s about enjoying what you love while maintaining balance and energy for the days ahead.

Keep It Simple and Joyful

As a nutrition consultant, I’ve seen—year after year—how powerful small, consistent habits can be. You don’t have to overhaul your diet or skip what makes the holidays special. Just start with one or two things that feel doable: a protein-rich breakfast, a walk after dinner, or adding veggies to your table. These holiday wellness tips aren’t about deprivation. They’re about having peace of mind. So whether you’re traveling, hosting, or learning how to care for your blood sugar for the first time, remember this: you can savor the season and feel your best doing it.

Edie Horstman

Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.

This post was last updated on November 21, 2025, to include new insights.