Fill the table with low carbohydrate, nutrient-rich snacks so you don’t sabotage yourself with unhealthy holiday foods.

Food always seems to be a part of holiday celebrations and merrymaking, but it’s not always good for diabetics. When seasonal foods are high in fat and carbs, eating can quickly raise your blood sugar levels beyond acceptable levels. Give yourself some healthier options by putting a few of these healthy sides on the menu.

#1 Asparagus

Spears of asparagus always make meals seem a little more elegant. A serving of asparagus only has 5 grams of carbs and 2 grams of dietary fiber. It also contains folate and glutathione, which may ease the effects of aging, and fight many diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.

#2 Broccoli

Whether you add it to your veggie platter or serve it roasted with a side of ham, broccoli is a good, healthy option for the holidays. This green snack contains more Vitamin C per 100 grams than an orange. It also contains Vitamin A, folate and sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates. These compounds may help fight cancer and heart disease.

#3 Cranberries

Instead of the canned cranberry sauce, try making your own homemade sauce from fresh cranberries this year. Just keep an eye on the amount of sugar you add. These berries contain plant phytonutrients that may lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure. Plus, a cup of whole unsweetened berries contains about 13 grams of fiber!

#4 Nuts

It’s not uncommon to see a few toasted nuts on the buffet table or even mixed into the stuffing at a celebration. You can go ahead and enjoy a few. Various tree nuts contain, unsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and vitamin E. They also contain L-arginine, which helps make your arterial walls more flexible and reduces the risk of clotting.

#5 Lentils

Although lentils aren’t always very popular at the dinner table, they are one of the healthiest side dishes. A one-cup serving of cooked lentils contains about 16 grams of fiber. They also contain a lot of folate and protein to help fill you up and keep you from grazing after dinner.