Health tips like healthy eating and all can be a bit of a challenge at times like these (holidays) to both diabetics and non-diabetics.
A little indulging should actually be allowed during seasons like this, you say.
Actually, you’re right on that. However, we’re still going to have to create a balance between a little bit of indulging and eating healthy as well as healthy living.
So, let’s talk about how we can achieve this, this holiday by following a couple of health tips.
1. Don’t skip meals
Skipping a meal can negatively impact your blood glucose level and lead to immediately dangerous blood sugar swings especially for diabetics.
Eating late or skipping meals can make your blood sugar level drop drastically which can be detrimental to your health.
Besides, skipping a meal can cause you to make a bad choice for a later meal like consuming excess carbs-loaded meals which can cause an influx of sugar in your bloodstream making your pancreas struggle to keep up with the insulin that your body needs to regulate the increase in blood sugar. As a result, your blood sugar level will increase.
According to health coach at Cultivate Healthy, a nutrition consultancy practice in Washington, DC, Andrea Goergen, RD, “An eating approach that involves consuming a consistent amount of carbohydrates — which break down into glucose or blood sugar at regular intervals throughout the day — can help prevent blood glucose spikes and improve the effectiveness of prescribed medication in people with diabetes.”
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2. Stay active
Exercising helps you burn off extra calories which also helps control your blood sugar level in turn because your muscles use up the extra glucose in your body to workout.
However, if you can’t stick to your usual workout/exercise routine, try doing some fun activities with your loved ones for at least 45 minutes – 1 hour daily.
3. Pay attention to portion
When it comes to eating your favourites meals (especially carbs), no one is saying you shouldn’t but be sure to eat it the right way.
Foods rich in carbohydrates can provide a lot of good nutrients to the body but unlike fats and protein, carbs have the biggest impact on blood sugar.
To enjoy your favourites carbs, try the portion control method. Start by using a small plate to eat and allot half your plate for a pile of veggies, then leave a quarter of your plate for carbs and a quarter of your plate for lean protein.
4. Stay hydrated
According to research, drinking enough water can help a person with calories consumption.
A survey by National Health and Nutrition shows that drinking more water is associated with eating fewer calories, as well as less sugar, salt, and cholesterol.
5. Check your blood sugar regularly
If you are taking insulin or medications that lower your blood sugar, try checking your fasting blood sugar every now and then to monitor it, just so you know when to make certain changes.
Following these health tips will definitely put you on a healthy track even during the holiday.
