Sky Lakes Medical Center | Live Smart | Winter 2018

4 LIVE smart | Winter 2018 w w Take a hike. Exercise helps keep blood sugar levels and holiday calories in check. Smart ideas for healthy eating Watching what you eat is an essential part of managing diabetes. So what’s a person supposed to do during the holidays, when tempting food takes center stage at every party and family gathering? Good news! You can enjoy the holidays without letting your diabetes care plan get totally out of whack. To help, check out these pointers, courtesy of the American Diabetes Association and other experts: LOOKING FOR MORE? To learn how to successfully manage diabetes year-round, go to SkyLakes.org/DiabetesServices . Here are some ideas how you can make this year’s celebrations higher on joy and lower on stress. Ratchet down those expectations. Chasing after picture-perfect get-togethers can create the perfect storm of stress. Things happen. Keep that in perspective, and do your best to relax and enjoy. Trim your to-do list. Cross out one or two things that are likely to make you frantic. Make what matters most—time spent with friends and loved ones—your priority. Catch your breath. Your default holiday behavior may be to go into overdrive and cheat yourself out Hints for happier holidays w w Go easy on carb-rich foods, like rolls and mashed potatoes. Choose very small portions (as in, just a few bites) if you have more than a couple of starchy choices. w w Offer to bring some nonstarchy veggies to your gathering. From asparagus to cauliflower to salad greens, they’re lower in carbs and calories. Other people might enjoy having healthy options too! w w Do dessert—but not a lot. Small portions of sweets are OK on special occasions. To make room in your meal plan for dessert, you might consider cutting one of your other carb choices that day. w w Make a favorite holiday recipe healthier. Try using less sugar or using a sugar substitute when baking Grandma’s apple pie. w w Keep out of the cookie jar. Don’t let your blood sugar spike before the cranberry sauce even hits the table. When craving a snack, reach for a healthy one. How about cut-up carrots and broccoli and a low-calorie dip? of restorative “me-time.” So carve out at least a few minutes every day to recharge. Lend a hand. Spread some holiday cheer by volunteering for your favorite charity. Helping out may lift your spirits and put you in a holiday mood. Resist the temptation to overspend. Ultimately, you’re only setting yourself up for post-holiday stress. Remember that the real holiday spirit doesn’t revolve around pricey gifts. Consider the gift of your time: Wrap up a homemade coupon for some babysitting hours, or offer to clean the home of someone recovering from an illness. These types of gifts are easy on the budget and are often greatly appreciated. Sources: American Psychiatric Association; American Psychological Association DIABETES ANDTHE HOLIDAYS