Carbohydrate counts for Thanksgiving food staples

Thanksgiving dinner

When you look at the list of holidays in the U.S., there is one holiday in particular that revolves around food and sitting around a table with many people you love - Thanksgiving. 

The good news about Thanksgiving meals is it often involves some well-known “staples”. I highly recommend researching carb counts in popular foods, and reviewing serving sizes (i.e. studying the size of a measuring cup) ahead of time. Knowing the approximate nutrition facts in advance can help when you’re amidst the hustle and bustle trying to make food decisions and bolusing for what’s on your plate. Here are nutrition facts for popular Thanksgiving foods you may find helpful, and a printed version you can keep on your fridge for convenience. Keep in mind recipes may vary depending on the brand and ingredients used (Aunt Jane’s home baked recipes will vary as well).

Main Dish
  • 4 ounces of roasted turkey breast, without skin and additional flavoring: 0g carbs
  • ½ cup of turkey gravy: 6g carbs
  • 4 ounces of roasted boneless cured ham: 0g carbs
  • 4 ounces of lean roasted pork tenderloin: 0g carbs
  • 4 ounces of lean beef brisket: 0g carbs
Sides
  • 1/6 box or 1 ounce of dry mixed stuffing: 21g carbs
  • 1 cup of mashed potatoes: 35.5g carbs
  • ½ cup of sweet potato casserole: 37g carbs
  • 1 cup of green bean casserole: 12g carbs
  • 1 cup of chopped collard greens: 9g carbs
  • 1 dinner roll: 13g carbs
  • 1 cup of home prepared coleslaw: 15g carbs
  • ¼ cup of canned cranberry sauce: 25g carbs
  • 1 piece or 2.1 ounces of corn bread: 29g carbs
  • 1 cup of corn pudding: 42.5g carbs
Dessert
  • 1 piece or 1/6 of a 8 inch apple pie: 40g carbs
  • 1 piece or 1/8 of a 9 inch pumpkin pie: 41g carbs
  • 1 piece or 1/8 of a 9 inch pecan pie: 64g carbs

I know it’s hard to multi-task filling up your plate when there is a lot going on around you, but taking a few moments to pay attention and think through your decisions could make the world of a difference. I hope you find this list helpful! 

On behalf of the entire Medtronic team, we hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Source for nutrition facts: www.calorieking.com

 

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Submitted by Lisa Conley (not verified) on

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Uploader. Why doesn't the cgm communicate directly with the iPhone app? Pain to carry another device

Submitted by naomi.kingery@… on

In reply to by Lisa Conley (not verified)

Thanks for the feedback, Lisa. Please know we hear you. Future generations of Medtronic products will not require the uploader and will transmit automatically from the pump to the smartphone.

Submitted by Rosalyn Christian (not verified) on

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I've been a diabetic since I was 8 yrs old .what can I do to get my blood sugar under control in bout to get back on the pump .one minute it is 136 then about 2 hrs later it is 345 .if you have a suggestion I'm open for answer and I'm going threw the change hot flashes

Submitted by naomi.kingery@… on

In reply to by Rosalyn Christian (not verified)

Rosalyn, I recommend talking with your healthcare team, as they can provide you with the best advice to meet your specific needs. If you have any questions about the insulin pump, please let me know and I’ll connect you with someone from my team.

Submitted by kevin co (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

This is great to know. My startright rep amber sent this to me. It will be very helpful. We are going to a buffet and I know I'll be a piggy lol, is a straight,dual wave, or square bolus I plan on eating a lot, this is a 35 dollar buffet will mostly be eating the meat though.

2nd question. Do you not have to bolus for meat like the pork, or turkey or the ham?

Submitted by naomi.kingery@… on

In reply to by kevin co (not verified)

Kevin, I’m happy to hear you found this article helpful! How much to bolus for meat is a great question for your healthcare team, as they can provide you the best advice to meet your individual needs. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving :)

Submitted by Mary G (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thanks for this list. It's helpful to have some estimated numbers ahead of time. I'll be a guest at someone else's table, so I'll be guessing about the carbs--since I can't weigh or measure portions and calculate . I think stuffing is the real wild card in a traditional Thnksgvng menu because every family has their own recipe that adds extras like apples, nuts, cranberries, etc beyond the standard onions & celery.
I will be pondering whether to use a normal bolus or a dual or square wave with what may be a marathon meal!

Thank you for all this carb counting information.

I already saved this info for myself. Thanks.


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