Welcome to the GOOD IDEA Audio Blog with Dr. Colleen Gulick. In this episode, she covers how you can enjoy the holiday season and support your blood sugar and energy levels with smart, easy swaps.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to send your glucose and energy into a tailspin. Instead of skipping the feast (or going full “all-in” with guilt), you can apply a few science-backed strategies to make your favorite foods work for you. She covers eight practical swap-ideas including:

• Starting your meal with fiber-rich veggies and protein instead of the bread basket—to blunt post-meal blood sugar spikes

• Choosing mashed cauliflower or roasted sweet potatoes as a lower-impact alternative to traditional mashed potatoes

• Incorporating resistant starch (yes, your leftover potatoes can become a metabolic ally)

• Pairing dessert with protein or healthy fat instead of just sugar and carbs

• Replacing sugary drinks with sparkling water, citrus, or GOOD IDEA’s functional drink to support steady GLP-1 and stable glucose

• Taking a short walk right after dinner to boost insulin sensitivity and reduce that post-meal slump

• Swapping heavy dips (sour cream/mayo) for Greek-yogurt or avocado-based dips rich in protein and healthy fats

• Eating a balanced breakfast or lunch before the big feast so you don’t arrive ravenous and prone to overeat

I love breaking down the science and bringing you the why behind each swap... not just the “what.” You’ll get actionable advice you can use this holiday, and all year long, to keep your metabolism humming, your energy sustained, and your performance optimized.

Tune in and let’s transform your holiday plate into a performance-friendly, blood-sugar-smart feast.

Keywords: healthy Thanksgiving swaps, blood sugar control, holiday nutrition for athletes, metabolic health, post-meal strategy, resistant starch, GOOD IDEA drink, sport performance nutrition, athlete lifestyle, steady energy.