From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, food isn’t just food. It’s a delicious experience loaded with temptation and tradition. Managing the blitz of festive favorites, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles and desserts, can be tricky for anyone. But if you’re among the 30 million Americans with diabetes, this season can be especially challenging. Party smart. These party pointers can help you keep your blood sugar on track while still enjoying yourself: More holiday food for thought Contact your primary care provider with any concerns as the holidays approach. Sources: Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diabetes and healthy holidays Wellness Matters | Fall 2023 7 Use delay tactics. At parties, grab a glass of seltzer and mingle. Focus on your family and friends instead of making a beeline for the buffet table. Plan your splurges. Assess the food array before serving yourself. Reserve one fourth of your plate for starchy holiday favorites. Round out your plate with foods that will help keep your blood sugar in check, such as salads and nonstarchy vegetables, like broccoli and baby carrots. Bring a healthy main dish that fits into your meal plan. That way, you’ll know there will be at least one healthy option. Don’t be a people pleaser. If others pressure you to eat, be ready to politely decline. Make time for exercise. Physical activity helps lower blood sugar and provides a feeling of well-being that can fuel your resolve to eat healthy. Monitor your blood sugar. To know how holiday foods affect your blood sugar, check it throughout the day every day to make sure it’s within your target ranges. Go easy on sweets. Have only a small serving of treats high in sugar and fat, such as holiday cookies and cakes, or skip them altogether. Get back on track. If you overindulge, don’t convince yourself you might as well keep going. Instead, go right back to your regular, diabetes-friendly lifestyle.
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