Pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, stuffing.  They're all classic Thanksgiving foods, but for a person with diabetes they can cause much more than a full stomach.  But the good news is, there are plenty of healthy options everyone in your family can enjoy, without sacrificing good taste. "The cookies, the candies, the cakes and the pies...." said dietitian Lisa Frazier.

For a lot of people, those words are sweet reminders that the holidays are approaching.  But for people with diabetes they can sometimes spell disaster.  "Lots of temptations out there to overeat," said Frazier.

If you're trying to plan a holiday meal around a family member with diabetes, Dietitian Lisa Frazier has a few tips. "Have lots of vegetables have lean meats," said Frazier.

Above all, don't guilt trip the diabetic person into trying something they shouldn't eat. "You get a lot of pressure from other people oh drink this, eat that it won't hurt you one time," said Frazier.

But it can. If a diabetic's blood sugar gets too high, it can cause a number of serious health problems.  Frazier said her best advice for people with diabetes is to plan ahead during the holidays.  Think about what your food options will be, and bring some of your own dishes if necessary.  The good thing about that idea, people might be surprised by how tasty healthy food can be. "This salsa is made with roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese.  It has sixty calories and two grams of carbohydrates," said Frazier.
 
Frazier said the rule everyone should follow over the holidays, is eat sweets and carbohydrates in moderation and balance your meals with plenty of vegetables and protein. Also try making simple changes to classic recipes, like using sugar substitutes and whole wheat products.
"You can take a recipe like monster cookie bars and make them so that they only have about 35 calories and about four grams of carbohydrates," said Frazier.

Simple tips that can help people avoid an increase in their blood sugar, or their waist line.

MONSTER COOKIE BARS RECIPE:
provided by Skaggs Hospital

6 eggs
2 cups of Twin Sugar Substitute
2 oz. of Splenda Sugar Substitute
1/2 tbsp. of Vanilla Extract
1/2 tbsp. of light corn syrup
4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 margarine, solid
3 cups Peanut Butter, creamy
9 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup chocolate chips, semi sweet

Mix all ingredients together. Flatten cookies with spoon dipped in water.  Bake at 300 F for 10 to 13 minutes. 
Makes 66 portions.

MOZZARELLA PEPPER SALSA RECIPE:
(Provided by Midwest Dairy Association)

Ingredients:
1 block (8 ounces) of Mozzarella cheese, diced into 1/4 inch cubes
1 cup diced roasted red peppers
2 green onions, cut diagonally into thin slices
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 head Belgian endive, separated into leaves

Preparation:
Combine Mozzarella cheese, red peppers, green onions, fresh basil and olive oil in medium bowl.  Mix well. Season with pepper. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.  Serve on endive leaves with whole grain crackers.

-Can also spoon onto whole grain bread and cook in oven until cheese begins to melt.