Ways to manage your diabetes during this festive season
How you can manage your diabetes this festive season
Looking after your blood sugar levels is definitely harder than you think and when the festive season is already around the block, it is all the more difficult to keep it steady and in control. With all the scrumptious foods and delicious looking desserts, one may surely find it challenging to maintain a healthy meal plan and keep a check on their diabetes. However, it is always crucial to be mindful of your diet and health, especially during festivals. That being said, here are 7 simple steps to help you manage your diabetes during this festive season.
Have a planWhile
during a festival, most people have the tendency to develop an uncaring
attitude towards their health and diet, but if you’re a diabetic, you
don’t have that luxury. As restrictive as it may sound, it is crucial
for you to understand the importance of having a dietary plan. The more
you know what you’re going to eat and how much you’re going to eat, the
more likely you’ll be able to stay on track with your blood sugar.
Avoid skipping meals
Holidays and festivities have the tendency to keep us busy. During this period, one tends to lose track of time and also starts skipping meals. While it wouldn’t have been a problem if you were healthy and without any prior conditions, if you’re a diabetic, skipping meals can negatively impact your blood glucose level. Therefore, no matter how busy you are, do not skip meals.
Choose your carbs wisely
Carbs can be rich in multiple nutrients and are also healthy for your body. But besides that, carbs can also have a drastic effect on your blood sugar levels. Therefore, it's important to choose your carbs wisely, and go with low glycemic foods, which are difficult to break down and do not affect you blood sugar levels. For instance, fibre-rich foods such as oats, carrots and beans are your go-to carbs.
Stay hydrated
No matter what happens, do not cut down on your water intake. Drinking water is important for our overall health and well-being. However, according to a study, it is also associated with eating fewer calories, as well as less sugar, salt and cholesterol. Besides that it may also control your thirst for sweetened drinks, which is extremely unhealthy and harmful for your health.
Besides what you eat, pay attention to how much you eat
What you eat is not the only thing that matters. The portion of food that you consume also affects your health to a great extent. Therefore, keep a tab of all the things you eat and no matter what the occasion is, do not overeat and go overboard with your food intake. After all it’s affecting your health, even if it’s a time of celebration.
Dessert on your mind, then make space for it
If you’re a lover of desserts and do not think you can resist it during this festive season, then it’s time to plan ahead. Try and eat fewer carbs, in order to make space for some delicious desserts. However, be mindful of the portion sizes and do not go overboard and risk your health.
Be active and move around
Whether it’s a normal day or a day of festivities, physical activity is of utmost importance. Especially if you’re a diabetic, being active makes your body more sensitive to insulin, which helps manage your diabetes. It can also help control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease and nerve damage.