Turkey (1 Thin Slice (Approx 3 Inches X 2 Inches X 1/8 Inches))

Choose plain, minimally processed turkey rather than deli meat, breaded turkey, or turkey with sweet glazes; check labels for added sugars and starches.

Eat a smaller turkey portion and combine it with fiber-rich non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, zucchini, peppers, or salad greens.

Avoid serving turkey with refined carbohydrate sides such as white bread, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet sauces, or sugary drinks; use lentils, chickpeas, or quinoa in modest portions instead.

Add a source of unsaturated fat, such as avocado, olives, nuts, seeds, or olive oil, to slow the meal’s overall glucose rise.

Take a 10–20 minute easy walk after the meal, if safe for you, and compare your glucose response with and without the walk.

If the response happens consistently with plain turkey, review portion size, meal timing, sleep, stress, and medications with a clinician or dietitian, since protein can raise glucose for some people.