Seven Strategies For a Joyful and Healthy Holiday Season with Diabetes
The Christmas season is a time for celebration and joy with family and friends. However, for people with diabetes, it can be a difficult time as they try to manage their glucose levels while enjoying enjoyable food and beverages. The following are seven tips for having a happy and healthy diabetes celebration.
Prepare list
Make a list of the foods you intend to eat and try to stick to them as much as possible. This can help you manage your glucose levels, and you should avoid eating high-sugar or high-fat foods. Consider bringing your own better dishes to special occasion social events to ensure you have options that meet your dietary needs.
Choose healthier alternatives
Look for lower-sugar, lower-fat versions of traditional holiday fare. You could try using low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and vegetables in your recipes, for example. You can also sweeten your recipes without adding extra sugar by using sugar substitutes such as stevia or monk fruit extract.
Stay active
Exercise is essential for diabetes management, and the holiday season is no exception. Stay active by going for a walk after meals, going on a hike, or doing a home workout. Physical activity can help regulate your blood sugar levels and lower your risk of developing diabetes complications.
Keep hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep your kidneys healthy and to help your body flush out excess sugar. Avoid sweet drinks like pop and natural product juices because they can raise your blood sugar levels. Alcohol can also affect your blood sugar levels, so it's important to drink moderately and stick to lower-sugar options like light lager or vodka mixed with soda water and lime.
Check your blood
sugar levels
It's crucial to regularly check your blood sugar levels, especially during the holidays when you might be eating and drinking in unexpected ways. Use a glucose screen to monitor your levels and make adjustments as needed. Make sure to adhere to your regular schedule and dosage instructions if you're taking insulin or other medications to treat your
diabetes.
Avoid skipping meals
It may be alluring to put off eating to make room for special occasion treats. However, this can cause your blood glucose levels to drop dangerously low, which can lead to dizziness, weakness, and other side effects. Try to eat normal, adjusted feasts throughout the day, assuming everything else is equal. If you're attending a holiday gathering or party, eat a small snack before you go to help regulate your blood sugar.
Observe the
Vegetables Effect
The selection of vegetables will typically be limited during special times of the year. In any case, only a few simple vegetable dishes can bring a wide variety of delicious options (and supplements) to the table. Offer to bring a side of steamed or cooked vegetables that have been prepared with mouthwatering spices or flavors, or a green plate of mixed greens. If you decide to bring a vegetable dish, pick colorful vegetables that are low in calories and sugar (like cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach). This will help you fill up and make it easier for you to consume fewer servings of other unhealthy, high-carb, and high-fat food options that are being promoted.
Conclusion
You can celebrate
Christmas while managing your diabetes if you abide by these recommendations.
Make sure to speak with your medical services provider if you have any feedback
of any kind regarding managing your diabetes during special seasons.
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