Preparing a diabetes friendly holiday meal:

• Make a low-carb stuffing by using low-carb bread and adding extra vegetables.
• Use sugar substitutes in recipes.
• Offer low-carb dinner rolls.
• Offer a variety of non-starchy vegetable side dishes.
• Offer sugar free desserts.
• Ask your guest for the recipe to their favorite low-carb side or dessert.

This is money taken out of your pay before you incur any federal taxes or social security taxes, and is not reported to the IRS.  Essentially, this increases your spendable income and decreases your taxable income.

If you have elected to use flex spending already, many of you have until the end of the year to utilize this amount.  Nutrition services by a registered dietitian are covered under most policies.

Some flex spending has to have a referral from their physician for weight management. Check with your flex spending management company to see if there are any special requirements needed.  These accounts allow you to pay for eligible medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.  Flex spending saves you money by reducing your income taxes. 

If you have not elected to utilize flex spending and have it available to you, think about utilizing this great advantage when you do re-enrollment.