Archived Article From DEC. 2006
Healthy Holidays Are Happy
Holidays
Eating right and staying healthy is a year-long challenge for
everyone. It can be especially difficult during the holiday season
for the 20 million Americans with diabetes. The most important thing
about managing diabetes during the holiday season is to plan ahead.
The more you know about what's going to happen, the better you can
plan for good diabetes care. But people with diabetes aren't the
only ones who could use a holiday meal makeover. At this time of
year, everyone could benefit from a healthier holiday eating plan.
People who have diabetes have to think about blood sugars and how
high they go after a holiday meal. Holidays can be a rough time for
maintaining normal blood sugar levels. During the holidays people
are under more pressure to eat high-fat, high-calorie foods that
they might not usually choose. In addition, everyone seems to eat
more when there is so much extra food in front of us.
As you write out your holiday wish list, take a few moments and plan
for a more healthful holiday. This can help maintain your diabetes
goals while avoiding both holiday weight gain and blood glucose
swings. For the holidays, like most other days, try to set time
aside for our diabetes self management routines.
Here are some suggestions for not just surviving the holidays, but
for improving your habits for the New Year to come.
Maintain your blood glucose monitoring routine. Monitor more often
if you’re eating more frequently, many different foods or at
irregular times.
Follow your diabetes meal plan. Some people find that keeping a food
journal during the holidays can help them avoid overeating.
Stay active. Carrying those shopping bags, walking through the malls
and decorating your home can all add steps to your schedule.
However, it’s still important to continue your regular activity
routine. Exercise reduces stress, burns excess calories and helps
control blood glucose levels.
Sleep- Sleep- Sleep! Get plenty of rest. Getting enough sleep during
the holidays can help prevent fatigue and stress.
Announcements
The Tri-County Diabetes Alliance
will sponsor and conduct several health education and outreach
programs addressing prevention of pre-diabetes and diabetes. This
will include presentations and free health screenings in a variety
of settings including schools, worksites, faith based communities,
and other community centers. Please check our
events calendar by clicking here .
Am I at Risk?
Take Our On-Line Risk Assessment by
clicking here
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