Personally, the fall and winter months are my favorite times of the year. The days get shorter, the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to change color in anticipation to the new season and festive events. The main reasons that I am a fan of the fall and winter months are because they are jam packed with holidays, family get-togethers and plenty of delicious food! But as a diabetic, holidays can be a challenging time because of all the temptation presented not only by the variety of different eats but also by imbibing in drink as well. We all know diabetes doesn’t prevent us from enjoying in the holiday festivities and eating delicious food but as a diabetic, we just need to properly plan for such events and have a greater amount of self-control.
To enjoy holiday meals with friends and family, follow some of these tips to prevent over eating while indulging in the flavors of the season!
- Eat breakfast and/or snacks earlier in the day; the idea of saving carbs for a big meal may cause blood sugar to be more difficult to manage
- Take a walk or another exercise session the day to lower your blood glucose
- Limit the servings of starchy foods (potatoes, yams, rolls, stuffing); rather select one of the items or smaller portions of multiple items
- Select vegetables served raw, grilled or steamed rather than in creams
- Choose zero-calorie drinks such as water, tea or mineral water instead of sodas and other sugary beverages
- Limit the amount of alcohol and take it with food; one alcoholic drink is:
- 12 fl oz of beer
- 5 fl oz of wine
- 5 fl oz of 80 proof spirit
- Enjoy holiday sweets but enjoy them in small portions, eat them slowly and savor the flavor and texture
- After a big meal, take a walk to enjoy the cool weather with family and friends while also burning calories and removing yourself from the temptation of holiday treat
Even though diabetes is a condition that must be dealt with everyday including the most tempting of times during the holidays, it does not prevent the simple enjoyment of holiday meals and get-togethers. By following these simple steps and focusing on proper food choices and self-control, holiday meals and parties can be a time of great joy with friends, families and delicious foods! Cheers to the upcoming holidays and enjoy them in moderation!
Diabetes Health Blog 