The end of the year is often shaped by the holidays, giving residents of Garland, Texas, plenty of opportunities to enjoy time with loved ones and special traditions. If you’re living with diabetes, taking care to manage your health during the holidays is important.
Chuck Osuagwu, MD, is here to share tips for making the most of this holiday season while managing your diabetes. As always, the team at Centerville Medical Center is here to provide in-person care for diabetes that supports your health throughout the year.
Here are seven tips for managing diabetes this holiday season.
The holidays can be busy, filled with changes to gather with friends and family and events that celebrate the season. It isn’t always easy adhering to your routine, and you may consider skipping meals. But consistent meals are an important part of managing blood sugar, so make time for a healthy meal, even if it’s closer to a snack than a full meal.
The holidays are a time to enjoy traditional favorites and a chance to indulge a bit. Don’t feel that you have to avoid specific foods. Aim for a balance in which most of your choices are healthy, and when it’s time for an indulgence, enjoy that treat in moderation.
It’s easy to ramp up your alcohol consumption over the holidays, and you might not even notice that toasts, spiked eggnog, and other drinks are adding up. Be mindful of drinking more than usual during this holiday season, and consider alternating alcoholic beverages with water or other hydrating options.
If you’re headed to a party or potluck and worried that there may not be many healthy options, make your own diabetes-friendly dish to take along. That way, you can be sure that you’ll have at least one good option you’ll enjoy.
It’s easy to get swept away in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but taking time to rest and recharge is essential. As you look at your weekly schedule, be sure to set aside some time to do the things that help you feel centered and balanced, whether that’s a long walk, working on a crafting project, or reading a book.
You can face days packed with activities and events, but with little physical activity. Stay active during the holidays to help manage your blood sugar and keep your body functioning healthily. A daily after-dinner walk is a great option, or your schedule might allow for morning yoga or swimming.
If you know your evening will be filled with party food and drinks, make yourself a healthy, protein-rich breakfast and a vegetable-heavy lunch. Balance is the key to nutrition during the holidays, and being prepared is the key to success. Stock up on quick options that can keep you on track without much prep work.
At Centerville Medical Center, Dr. Chuck finds the bonds he builds with patients to be deeply fulfilling. Our team strives to be readily available when you have questions or concerns. If you’d like to come see us for a chronic care management visit as we enter this holiday season, you can call to book a visit, or try our easy online scheduling option.
