The holidays bring parties, extra gatherings and seasonal foods that may make it challenging to follow a meal plan with diabetes.

Remember the importance of working towards feeling healthy and keeping blood sugar under control throughout the holiday season. With your personal goals in mind, make the holidays more about spending time with loved ones and enjoying the season overall versus focusing only on the food. Memories are made through moments. There is so much to enjoy over the holidays and controlling diabetes over this time is possible.

Here are some suggestions for navigating the holidays while keeping your goals:

•       Avoid skipping meals or snacks before holiday gatherings, as this may sabotage your goals.

•       Choose foods you have looked forward to, enjoying them mindfully and in moderation.

•       If you want more than one serving, consider portion size and take the second serving to go.

•       Keep moving on days you are eating holiday favorites with a morning or evening walk or holiday activity.

•       Remember to consider your beverage options and choose low carbohydrate drinks.

•       Take time for yourself during the busyness of the holidays. Read a book, craft, listen to holiday music, or take a drive and enjoy holiday displays.

•       Be kind to yourself; do not judge or feel guilt when wanting things that taste good.

•       Test your blood sugar often so you are aware of how the holidays affect your numbers and remember your personal goals.

•       Continue taking your medications as prescribed and talk with your doctor if you are unable to keep your numbers to goal.

Diabetes Plate Method

A great way to control your blood sugars while meal planning is to use the Diabetes Plate Method. This tool helps you keep carbohydrate portions in check while still enjoying them. Divide your plate into three sections, half of the plate for non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, carrots, broccoli, and salad, one-quarter of your plate for lean meats such as turkey, ham or beef, and the other quarter with carbohydrate rich foods such as potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Follow this link for more ideas and a step-by-step guide to managing your holidays. It provides diabetes-friendly and budget-friendly holiday recipes. https://diabetesfoodhub.org/blog/your-diabetes-friendly-holiday-toolkit