The holiday season is a time for indulging in delicious foods. However, for individuals with diabetes, it can be a challenging time to stay away from tempting treats.

This article highlights 30 foods that diabetics should avoid during the holiday season to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

1. Candies and Chocolates

Candies and chocolates are popular holiday treats, but they are also high in sugar. Consuming these sweets can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which is harmful for diabetics.

Instead of reaching for these treats, opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content, which has a lower glycemic index.

2. Fruitcake

Fruitcake is a traditional holiday dessert, but it is packed with sugar and dried fruits that can negatively impact blood sugar levels. Instead, try a no-sugar-added version or limit serving sizes.

3. Eggnog

Eggnog is a holiday favorite, but it is also loaded with calories and sugar. One cup of eggnog can contain up to 45 grams of sugar. If you must indulge in eggnog, consider a low-fat version or limit your serving size.

4. Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is often used in holiday baking recipes, but it is high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Instead, use unsweetened versions of almond or coconut milk for baking.

5. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a delicious holiday dessert, but it is also high in sugar and calories. One slice of pecan pie can contain up to 30 grams of sugar. Instead, try a pumpkin pie or a fruit-based dessert.

6. Caramel Popcorn

Caramel popcorn is a popular holiday snack, but it is loaded with sugar and fat. One cup of caramel popcorn can contain up to 20 grams of sugar. Instead, try air-popped popcorn or flavored nut mixes.

7. Stuffing

Stuffing is a popular holiday side dish, but it is often made with bread and high-carbohydrate ingredients that can negatively impact blood sugar levels. Instead, try stuffing made with quinoa or brown rice.

8. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic holiday dish, but they are high in carbohydrates, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Instead, try mashed cauliflower or mashed sweet potatoes with a low-glycemic index.

9. Gravy

Gravy is a common holiday condiment, but it is loaded with fat and calories. Instead of using traditional gravy on your dishes, use a low-fat or no-fat gravy option.

10. Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Sweet potatoes with marshmallows are a holiday favorite, but they are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Instead, try a baked sweet potato with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg.

11. White Rice

White rice is a common holiday side dish, but it is high in carbohydrates, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Instead, try brown rice or quinoa, which have a lower glycemic index.

12. Cornbread

Cornbread is a classic holiday side dish, but it is often made with high-carbohydrate ingredients like cornmeal and flour. Instead, try a low-carb version or use almond flour and coconut flour for baking.

13. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a popular holiday condiment, but many store-bought versions are high in sugar and additives. Instead, try making your own cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries and sugar substitutes like stevia.

14. Glazed Ham

Glazed ham is a popular holiday main dish, but it is often made with sugary glazes that can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Instead, try a lean protein like turkey or fish.

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15. Sweetened Tea and Coffee

Tea and coffee are popular holiday beverages, but sweetened versions can be high in sugar. Instead, try unsweetened tea or coffee with low-fat milk or sugar substitutes like stevia.

16. Fruit Punch

Fruit punch is a popular holiday beverage, but it is often made with high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners that can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Instead, try infused water with fresh fruits like lemons and berries.

17. Cheese Ball

Cheese balls are a popular holiday appetizer, but they are high in fat and calories. Instead, try a veggie platter with hummus or low-fat Greek yogurt dip.

18. Fried Foods

Fried foods like onion rings and French fries are popular holiday appetizers, but they are high in fat and calories. Instead, opt for baked or grilled options like chicken skewers or vegetable kebabs.

19. Cocktail Nuts

Cocktail nuts like peanuts and cashews are popular holiday snacks, but they are often salted and high in calories. Instead, try raw almonds or pistachios for a healthier option.

20. Sausages

Sausages are often served as a holiday appetizer, but they are high in fat and sodium. Instead, try low-fat turkey or chicken sausages.

21. Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are a popular holiday appetizer, but they are often made with high-carbohydrate dough and processed meats. Instead, try mini turkey meatballs or grilled shrimp skewers.

22. Creamy Dips

Creamy dips like spinach dip and artichoke dip are popular holiday appetizers, but they are high in fat and calories. Instead, try a veggie platter with hummus or a low-fat yogurt dip.

23. Ice Cream

Ice cream is a popular holiday dessert, but it is high in fat and sugar. Instead, try a fruit sorbet or a low-fat frozen yogurt.

24. Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a popular holiday side dish, but it is also high in fat and carbohydrates. Instead, try roasted vegetables or a side salad.

25. White Bread

White bread is often served during the holidays, but it is high in carbohydrates. Instead, try whole-grain bread or a low-carb version like lettuce wraps.

26. High-Sugar Cocktails

Cocktails like margaritas and daiquiris are popular during the holidays, but they are loaded with sugar and calories. Instead, try a glass of red wine or a low-sugar cocktail like a vodka soda.

27. Canned Fruits

Canned fruits are often used in holiday recipes, but they are high in sugar and additives. Instead, try fresh or frozen fruits for a healthier option.

28. White Pasta

White pasta is often served during the holidays, but it is high in carbohydrates and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Instead, try whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles.

29. Soda

Soda is often served during the holidays, but it is high in sugar and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Instead, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.

30. Fruit Juice

Fruit juice is often served during the holidays, but it is high in sugar and lacks fiber. Instead, try drinking water infused with fresh fruits like oranges and strawberries.