TOLEDO, Ohio — Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and pies. Those foods are among the usual Thanksgiving fixings.

While chowing down on beloved dishes surrounded by friends and family is a part of the holiday, it’s important to avoid overeating.

According to a 2019 report from Business Insider, Americans consume nearly 1.4 billion pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving.

“When we overindulge, of course, we’ve all done it here and there, but just think about how you feel after. The sluggish, maybe not wanting to interact as much” said Jeannie Wagner, diabetes education program coordinator at the Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.

Wagner advises healthy eating habits at the dinner table and offers tips for those with diabetes so they know what to keep in mind at family dinners.

“It is doubly important for people with diabetes who don’t necessarily have to give up their favorite things, but just be a little more mindful because if they get out of a routine with taking their medication and are eating, they run the risk that their blood sugars are going to go too high,” she said.

November is American Diabetes Month. Wagner says that even though people with diabetes need to watch what they eat, they shouldn’t keep themselves from going to family get-togethers.

“I really try to emphasize that you don’t have to give everything up or that person who’s newly diagnosed,” Wagner said. “They’re thinking, ‘well, maybe I shouldn’t even attend the holiday get-together’ That is not true.”

She says the best practice is to just take smaller portions and stay active during the holidays. And of course, enjoy thanksgiving with your families, no matter what is on the menu.

“No one should ever feel that they have to avoid a social situation because of what might not be there or what might be there,” Wagner said.