To All Diabetics Out There – Sweet Tips to Enjoy Holidays!

Holidays mean family time, and family time isn’t complete without lip-smacking food. It’s such a happy bunch of days when you get to catch up with your extended family, meet those long-lost friends, and share some fantastic memories all over again. Naturally, home-cooked traditional meals have a significant role to play in the whole setting.

Lino Ogenio/Unsplash | Holidays are associated with downsides like health issues due to overindulgence, which can put you in a tough situation

But everything has a flip side! Holidays are associated with downsides like health issues due to overindulgence, which can put you in a challenging situation. For instance, if you have diabetes, despite wanting to eat all the goodies and be an active participant in the tribe, you can face the challenge of managing your blood sugar levels appropriately. 

However, when you’ve got us around, there’s nothing to worry about. With some advanced planning and lifestyle changes, you can still enjoy the holiday season without compromising on your health. 

#1 – Time your meals

People like to celebrate every occasion with big feisty meals. Considering it’s the holiday season, the festivities are bound to move in full flow; meaning you need to make room for big family feasts or parties at odd timings. As a diabetic, you must know that eating right and eating on time is key for your body to function. Which is why aligning festivities with your regular meal schedule is a smart choice.

This is especially true if you take insulin injections or medicines that help in lowering down your blood sugar. You can take a small snack at your regular meal time so that your medication routine doesn’t get affected and your body doesn’t lead to a low sugar reaction. 

Element5 Digital/Unsplash | As a diabetic, you must know that eating right and eating on time is key for your body to function

#2 – Consume smaller portions

Family feasts mean a lot of calories, consisting of all kinds of carbohydrate and sugar-based foods. We’re not insisting on cutting down on them completely, but being mindful of your portions will help manage your blood sugar.

If you find it tricky to decide between two of your most favorite foods, try Toby’s “Two Tablespoon” rule. You can put two tablespoons of both of your favorite dishes on the plate and enjoy the food. But, remember, don’t exceed your usual carbohydrate limit, or else your sugar levels can spike up.

#3 – Indulge in physical activities

With food being the center of attraction, people just forget to move around and bail on that workout regimen during holidays. Instead of this, you should be doing the complete opposite. Try making yourself more active by switching to a healthier lifestyle. Involve your friends and family in this practice as well – ask them to go for after-dinner walks or turn up the music for a little Zumba session. Do anything that interests you!

Gabin Vallet/Unsplash | Try making yourself more active by switching to a healthier lifestyle. Involve your friends and family in this practice as well

Keep in mind

Don’t forget to consult with your family doctor or a physician before striking into the much-awaited holiday fiasco. Ask them for better alternatives and the best plans to deal with portion controls, meal timings, and everything you have in mind. Other than that, we hope you have a full-filled year-end with your family and friends.