As leaves fall and the air turns cooler, we know the holidays are fast approaching. In my house Christmas cheer has already begun as we put out our holiday village.

All the special treats and extra gatherings shared with loved ones may make eating during the holiday season a bit tricky while having diabetes. Remember the importance of striving towards feeling our best and keeping blood sugar under control throughout the holiday season. Keep healthy goals in mind and make the holidays more with respect to being with the ones we care about and enjoying the season overall versus focusing only on the food. There is so much to enjoy over the holidays and keeping diabetes controlled can be easier than you may think.

Some suggestions for navigating the holidays:

•    Avoid skipping meals or snacks before holiday gatherings, this may sabotage your goals.
•    Choose the foods you have looked forward to and enjoy them mindfully.
•    If you want more than one serving, consider portion size and take the second serving to go.
•    Enjoying more movement on days you are eating holiday favorites, such as a morning or evening walk.
•    Take time for yourself during the busyness of the holidays. Read a book, craft, listen to holiday music, or take a drive and look at holiday displays.
•    Be kind to yourself; do not judge or feel guilt when wanting things that taste good.
•    Test blood sugar often so you are aware of how the holidays are affecting your blood sugars.

Diabetes Plate Method
Use the Diabetes Plate Method to navigate your meal and keep carbohydrate portions in check while still enjoying them. Divide your plate into 3 sections, ½ the plate for non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, carrots, broccoli, and salad. The rest of the plate is divided into quarters. Fill one quarter with lean meats such as turkey or ham. The other quarter is for carbohydrate rich foods such as potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Remember what your personal blood sugar goals are. Continue to take medications as prescribed.
Try to remake a family favorite recipe or dish as a diabetes friendly version.

Replace one starchy food choice with a non-starchy vegetable on your holiday table.

Stay Moving...
Remember to include physical activities during the holidays with family and special friends. Physical activity does not only have to be going to the gym or exercising, being active can include many ideas. Going to a park or holiday display in your town and walking around or attend an outdoor Holiday Market. Look for activities and find events in your area to get out and about. There is also usually a Holiday Turkey Trot race or walk in many towns, sign up! Consider taking a family walk after a holiday meal, throwing the ball in the yard with children and grandchildren, a WII dance off, or playing active board games such as PICTIONARY. Memories are made through many moments.

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