If You're on Keto or Have Diabetes, Prepare to Devour These Homemade Desserts

Thanksgiving may seem like the trickiest time of year for people with diabetes, but just because you have to carefully monitor your blood sugar, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy all the pumpkin-apple-chocolatey yumminess of the holiday! “Thanksgiving comes once a year, and you don't have to feel deprived when everyone else is eating dessert,” says Ben Tzeel, RD, a dietitian with Type-1 diabetes, as well as the fitness editor for DiabetesStrong.com.

With a little careful planning, says Tzeel, you can indulge in the season’s tastiest treats (though always discuss any dietary changes with your doctor first). “Make sure you exercise in the morning before the meal, which will improve your insulin sensitivity later in the day,” he says. “And then portion control during the main event is key. Fill your plate with white-meat turkey and vegetables, and eat a little less of the stuffing and bread if you want to have some pie or cake after the meal.”

If you’re indulging in store-bought desserts or that scrumptious homemade treat your sister-in-law created, Tzeel recommends using an app like MyFitnessPal to at least ballpark the amount of carbs you'll be consuming, and adjust your insulin or medication accordingly. Better yet, make one of these diabetes-friendly desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth without sending your blood-sugar spiking. Make enough for the entire table, because everyone will want a bite!