EAT HEALTHY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
By Jackie Gluck, Population Health Manager and Certified Diabetes Educator
Picture this — savory mashed potatoes and gravy, warm wild rice stuffing, and rich homemade pies. Food is an essential part of any holiday gathering, but if you are managing diabetes or other nutrition-related conditions, the buffet table can also be a bit intimidating this time of year. The good news is that you don’t have to avoid your favorite sweets and indulgences this holiday season. Here are five tips to have a healthy holiday season:
1. Prepare a plan
You are not always given a choice on which foods are served at holiday parties, but you are in control of the what and how much you serve yourself.
Offer to bring a healthy dish to share — such as a vegetable side dish.
Don’t arrive on an empty stomach. Avoid skipping meals to “save room” for a holiday meal. This can cause you to overeat and may create unstable blood sugars.
2. Exercise
Remaining active during the holidays can help make up for eating more than usual and reduce stress.
Get the whole family moving — bundle up and take a walk after a holiday meal, go sledding, build a snowman, or make snow angels.
Feel like you don’t have time or don’t know when to exercise? Mark it on your calendar and schedule exercise into your day — just as you would an appointment!
3. Avoid shopping while hungry
Many seasonal favorites are displayed at the grocery store. Shopping hungry may cause you to grab many sweets. Try eating a healthy snack before shopping to limit impulse purchases of foods that are less nutritious.
4. Sip smart
Choose water and unsweetened drinks like tea, instead of sugary drinks such as eggnog or hot chocolate.
Avoid or limit alcohol. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines. Alcoholic beverages can also add extra unnecessary calories. Choose wisely.
5. No food is off limits
All food can fit into any diet. Enjoy a small serving of your favorite treat in moderation. Choose the dishes you really love and rarely eat any other time of year. Slow down and savor every bite.
Eating a balanced diet during the holiday season can be difficult. Challenge yourself to choose one of these tips that you are going to focus on during the month of December. Finally, pay attention to what really matters. Put the focus on celebrating with family and friends, instead of fear or guilt about food. Choose balance and moderation as your daily guidelines, and remember that it is okay to indulge occasionally. Get right back to healthy eating with your next meal.
For more information about eating healthy or living a balanced lifestyle, contact Jackie Gluck, Population Health Manager and Certified Diabetes Educator, at 320-532-4163, ext. 2591.
