Holiday Eating Tip Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check

By keeping your blood sugar levels as stable as possible, you will prevent the highs and lows that result in feeling hungry and lead to overeating.

So how do you do that? One of the big keys is to avoid refined carbs. Some of these carbs are obvious, like the rolls that come with dinner and the desserts after. Others are sneakier -- most gravies are made with refined white flour!

I'm not suggesting you should not have a taste of gravy...just be watchful and use a small dollop, not a large ladle full! Enjoy small portions of refined carbohydrates and be sure to balance them with some protein to help keep your sugar levels even.

Instead of unconsciously filling up on breads, fill your plate with the lean protein and veggies (especially those without a lot of sauce or dressing) and healthy fats like nuts, olives and avocados.

And if your family is like mine and frequently wants to "save dessert for later", have a few raw nuts before eating the pie/cake or ice cream. Again, that helps keep you on an even keel and reduces the risk of sugar induced overindulgence!