Who isn’t tempted to eat sugary treats during the holiday season? My mouth waters just thinking about the array of cookies, candies and cakes, not to mention the dishes high in calories and fat served at a Thanksgiving feast. And let’s not forget the toasts to celebrate the holiday! But these kinds of temptations are double trouble for people who suffer with diabetes. It’s challenging enough for many folks with diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels stable – but even more difficult this time of year.
The good news is that diabetes experts say there are ways to keep blood sugar levels on target even through the holiday season. How? Through a double strategy: a combination of prevention and simple lifestyle changes. First, choose a healthy diet with a low-glycemic index and then combine it with a regular, stress-reducing exercise program.
Of course, this is easier said than done, so here are some simple tips:
Set strict limits on how many sweets you’re going to allow yourself to eat before you get to the party. Make a vow to stick to it. Keep the single digit number on a slip of paper in your pocket.
Eat a small, healthy snack such as nuts or cheese before you get to the party so you won’t be hungry when you’re there.
Allow yourself only ONE drink. Even moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar limits to spike. Alcohol also stimulates your appetite. Plus, you’ll be less likely to be able to stay no to sweets if you get tipsy and lose willpower.
Exercise is essential to help improve your body’s use of insulin as well as to burn excess fat. You don’t have to run miles or work out like a demon at the gym. Instead, consider yoga. It improves physical health without putting excess train on our body. Plus, yoga can help to alleviate stress – something most of us feel during the season. If you’ve never done yoga before, invest in an instructional beginner’s DVD or check on one out from your local library.
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