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Do you need help to maintain healthy eating habits during the festive season?

The holidays are meant for spending quality time with friends and family and to relax.   Food is often a key theme at holiday gatherings. So here are some tips to help you enjoy the holidays and manage your diabetes with less stress:

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Go for a walk

Did you know that when you exercise it helps your body use the insulin more efficiently, therefore lowering your blood sugar faster?

This doesn’t mean that you need to run a half marathon after the big meal, it still counts even if it’s in a shopping centre checking out the sales. Even moderate activity can help to lower blood sugar.

There are some lovely nature walks you can try or you can find a festive fair near you, the choice is yours!

Eat your veggies first

Sometimes, the veggie side dishes make the meal . Vegetables are very low in carbohydrate high in fibre and will help to fill you up, not to mention they are full of vitamins and minerals.

Choose your favourite carbohydrates to eat and be sure to also have plenty of veggies and protein.

Eat slowly and put knife and fork down between mouthfuls

Research shows it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full and consequently people who hurry their meals are more likely to overeat.

Sauces and dips

An easy way to make your food more delicious is to combine it with dips and spreads. Check out these delicious ideas and let us know how tasty they were.

Bread

It’s important to try and maintain a low carb diet. But don’t think that you have to give up bread. If your a fan of baking then why not try making home made bread instead. Check out this almond flour bread recipe.

Diabetics can enjoy festive holiday eating. The main ingredient is planning.

Separate the meal from the dessert

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without dessert! such as a traditional Christmas pudding or mince pies served with brandy butter, custard or cream.

This will help to spread the carbohydrates out throughout the day, instead of eating one large sum. be mindful of your portion size as it’s sugar and calories

Drinks

The best time to drink alcohol is with a meal. If you are not having a meal with your alcohol then it is a good idea to nibble carbohydrates [eg crisps] throughout the evening. If you like a drink, it’s useful to know that half a bottle of red wine could contain about 285 calories and 5 units of alcohol.

Try our favourite Grapefruit Mimosas to get you in the festive mood. Only drink in moderation – sensible advice whether or not you have diabetes

Enjoy your time celebrating by keeping these tips in mind.

Questions you may be thinking but haven’t yet asked…

Are there any ways to make traditional holiday foods healthier?

You can always recreate any recipe and make it healthier. Try swapping saturated fats for unsaturated, or use artificial sweeteners to reduce calories.

How can I stay motivated?

Find ways to stay motivated. Whether it’s setting new goals, exercising more frequently or something else.

I’m on insulin. Can I still have holiday drinks?

1-2 drinks within a couple of hours would be reasonable.

Should I go on a “detox” after eating holiday meals?

Just get back on track after the holidays. Give leftovers away and get back to your healthy diet.

Share your tips

What other tips do you recommended? We would love to hear from you, just send us a Tweet.