The Glycemic Index Diet for Dummies (70 page)

• Pumpkin dip

• Pumpkin soup

• Pumpkin seeds

If it's not Halloween to you without a little candy, Peanut M&M's and Dove dark chocolates are low-glycemic. They're still high in calories though, so just eat a little bit to avoid overdoing it.

Thanksgiving:

• Turkey

• Green beans

• Tossed greens salad

• Pumpkin pie

If you're like me, then of course you want stuffing and mashed potatoes too. Go ahead and indulge that craving; just have a smaller portion of each one.

Christmas:

• Roast beef

• Turkey

• Seafood

• Tossed greens salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Pumpkin pie

Desserts are probably the biggest challenge at Christmas. Pick your favorite and enjoy, but try not to nibble on treats all day.

Hanukkah:

• Brisket

• Roasted chicken

• Applesauce

• Salad

Latkes are probably the biggest temptation during this holiday. Either eat a small amount or try to make vegetable latkes to provide a different spin on the traditional potato version (which is definitely high-glycemic).

Kwanzaa:

• Carrot salad

• Succotash

• Okra and greens

• Red snapper or other seafood

Black-eyed peas are another popular Kwanzaa dish. With their medium-glycemic load, black-eyed peas are also a good choice.

Vacations

Whether you're traveling across Europe, going on a cruise, or camping at a nearby lake, the main goal with vacations is twofold: Do a little planning ahead and remember to balance all foods so you can enjoy yourself and still maintain your weight.

Because so many types of vacations exist, narrowing down the possible low-glycemic food options into a list is difficult. Following are just a few tips of what to buy or look for on a menu:

Grilled, baked, or roasted chicken, turkey, lean beef, or pork

Seafood (make sure it's not fried or dipped in a lot of butter)