The holiday season is a great opportunity to engage in time with loved ones and good friends, but let’s face it: it’s very often also a time for overindulgence in unhealthy eating. With a variety of rich, fatty, and sugary special treats to choose from at every turn, it’s hard to adhere to a healthy diet, which can cause serious health problems for people with diabetes.
These diabetic diet recommendations, however, can help those with diabetes remain safe for the duration of the holiday season without feeling deprived of special treats. Make sure to first consult with the doctor for his or her approval on any nutritional decisions that digress from an approved nutrition plan.
- Decide on your preferences. Consider choices during a holiday meal, and pick your top two carbs to enjoy. For instance, determine if you would prefer to have stuffing or rolls, or pick between mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, rather than indulging in all of the food choices.
- Bring your own. When going to a holiday event at someone’s home, speak with the host regarding your nutritional restrictions, and offer to bring a nutritious dish to share, like a tray of vegetables or a sugar-free dessert.
- Eat a healthy snack first. Having a healthy snack prior to the holiday meal will help keep blood sugar levels consistent and aid in steering clear of the temptation to go overboard. Good snack choices for those with diabetes include nuts, veggies with hummus, celery with peanut butter, cottage or string cheese, or an egg.
- Hydrate. Drinking a glass of water before sitting down to the meal will provide you with a feeling of fullness, reducing the possibility that you’ll be inclined to overindulge.
- Remain physically active. After a heavy meal, defy the urge to sink into the recliner and watch TV or snooze; instead, provide help with cleaning up the kitchen, play an energetic game with the children, or go for a walk in the brisk fall air.
If, in spite of these tactics, you end up overeating or making less-than-healthy selections, be kind and forgiving to yourself. Keep in mind that tomorrow is a new day to resume healthy habits again. Pay attention to your blood sugar to be sure levels stay in the right range and to prevent the potential for a serious complication, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, which could lead to hospitalization and most definitely put a damper on the holiday fun.
Contact the home care experts at Heaven at Home Senior Care to discover more diabetic diet friendly recommendations, for support with preparing nutritious meals, providing medication reminders and encouragement to engage in exercise programs, and much more! Our home caregivers in Plano and the nearby area are available throughout the holiday season and beyond to help older adults live their best possible lives. You can reach us at (940) 380-0500 to request a free in-home consultation today!