Diabetes Awareness Month: Md. doctor's tips for reducing Thanksgiving dinner calories

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (7News) — The Thanksgiving holiday is usually a time for overindulging. It's just once a year, right? Doctors want you to remember November is also Diabetes Awareness Month.

The USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans states adults need between 1,600 and 2,400 calories per day. Dinner alone on Thanksgiving can pack 3,150 calories, according to the Calorie Control Council.

Dr. Kwame Akoto, family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente, spoke with 7News Health and Wellness Reporter Victoria Sanchez about ways to not overdo it on Turkey Day.

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“If you’re having that big Thanksgiving meal, that’s not something you want to keep doing consistently going forward. But even on Thanksgiving, you can pace yourself. Try to go for the high-fiber foods first; try to stock up on the veggies, try to stock up on the fruit or something else there. That fiber will slow down how your body processes sugar, it will fill you up faster and you won’t end up eating as much," said Dr. Akoto. "Stay engaged with your family and friends and you won't really be thinking about food at that point."

He also suggests cutting down on soda and alcohol and drinking water throughout the day.