The holidays are upon us! For most diabetics, the holiday season can be
the most tempting time of the year with the all the festivities that can
disrupt your usual routine. But that doesn’t mean that you have
to lock yourself in a room and just waiting for the holiday seasons to
past. After all, holidays are for family, friends, and celebrations. We
list five sweet tips to help you manage your diabetes during the holidays
this year!
Stick to Your Routine
Holidays should not be that different from a regular day. Eat normally,
do your exercise, and take your medications at the usual time. Don’t
try to skip meals even if you are expecting a big feast at dinner. This
can make you hungrier which can result to overeating.
Eat in Portions
Since you don’t always have control over the food that will be served,
eat smaller portions. This allows you to taste more of your favorite foods
while making sure that your food choices remain balanced. If you eat sweets,
try to minimize your carbohydrates. Eat slowly, savor your food. You may
also try to socialize while eating to get your mind off your smaller food intake.
Bring Your Own Food
When you are invited to a holiday party, offer to bring your favorite dish
to share. This helps you manage your food choices better—and you
won’t have to worry too much whether your blood sugar levels are
still on track!
Drink in Moderation
Drinking alcohol lowers your glucose levels and can add a significant amount
of calorie intake. But having one glass of wine or beer is perfectly fine.
Just make sure to eat beforehand to avoid low glucose levels. You should
also stay away from mixed drinks or cocktails that are packed with calories
and carbohydrates.
Stay Active
Since the holidays also mean that you get some days off work, this may
be the perfect time to boost your activity. You can turn it into a family
activity to allow you to spend more time with your loved-ones and make
it more enjoyable. Invite them for a walk around the neighborhood after
dinner to see the holiday decorations or go for a bike ride at the nearby
park after opening up presents in the morning. This may even start a whole
new holiday tradition for you and your family.
Having diabetes doesn’t mean that you have to miss all the holiday
cheer. Make the holiday season the most wonderful time of the year by
managing your diabetes the right way.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.