Holidays are a time for friends, family and food.

Lots of food.

When you’re managing diabetes, it can be especially tough to control your blood sugar during the holidays with all the temptations, travel and changes in routine. But you can make smart choices and have fun, too. Here are 10 tips for enjoying holiday dinners:

1. Plan for mealtime: Chances are, the family feast won’t be at your typical mealtime. Find out the time and what’s on the menu in advance. It will help you determine whether you need to adjust your other mealtimes and food intake.
   
   
2. Stick to your exercise routine: Exercising helps prevent the typical holiday weight gain and maintain your blood sugar levels. In fact, you might want to increase your activity level. Take a loved one on a walk with you before and after the meal. You’ll both feel better.
   
   
3. Tune-up the menu: Could some of the standby dishes on the menu be healthier? Many recipes can be modified to reduce the fat, sugar and carbohydrate without changing the taste and texture. Consider using fat-free sour cream and sugar substitutes in recipes. Steam vegetables instead of drenching them in butter.
   
   
4. Prepare for pressure: It’s hard to say “no” when Aunt Ginny is insisting you try her ambrosia salad, but your health is worth more than her culinary pride. Discuss your diabetes treatment goals with your family and ask for their support. Explain to Aunt Ginny that rejecting the ambrosia isn’t about her, just the salad.
   
   
5. Enjoy the turkey: Turkey is a great protein selection. It’s low in fat and a good source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins. Keep it healthy by skipping the fatty gravy.
   
   
6. Plan for the must-haves: If there’s a particularly rich dish that your family looks forward to every year, you don’t have to give it up. Talk to your diabetes educator or dietitian about how to work a smaller portion into your meal plan.
   
   
7. Eat your vegetables: Holiday meals can be starch-heavy—stuffing, mashed potatoes and bread. Fill up on vegetables instead. Asparagus and squash are great sources of vitamins and minerals. Bright- colored vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes contain disease-fighting antioxidants.
   
   
8. Bring a dessert that fits your meal plan: Complement the dessert spread with a low-sugar selection. Check out the recipes in this section of the Web site or visit the American Diabetes Association’s recipe box at www.diabetes.org
   
   
9. Enjoy the company: Holiday Dinners are about more than a big meal. It’s about being with family. Join in on the conversation, eat slowly and savor each bite.
   
   
10. Take a pat on the back: By sticking to your meal plan and exercising, you’re a healthier person. That’s a great accomplishment and another reason for your family to be thankful.