Eating healthy through the holidays is hard for everyone.

If you’re living with diabetes, it’s even more challenging. But it’s a challenge you can overcome — and still enjoy plenty of delicious seasonal treats. You can control your weight and control your blood sugar as long as you keep a few simple tips in mind.

Start with a Plan

Impulse eating is an easy trap to fall into. So recognize the risk, make a plan to fight the temptation and stick to it. That doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of cookies and pies and brownies and all of the other things you look forward to during the holiday season.

If you’re going to a party and you know there is going to be certain foods and certain desserts, work those sugars and carbohydrates into your nutritional budget and adjust your meals before and after accordingly.

Stick with Your Exercise

It’s easy to get out of your diet and exercise routine when your normal weekly schedules out of whack with holiday parties and holiday happy hours and actual holidays. But remember that a little exercise can go a long way. Even if you don’t exercise as long or as strenuously as you normally do, that’s OK. Get up, get moving and do something every day.

Stay on Top of Your Blood Sugar

If your eating habits and your eating schedule are breaking from the norm, be sure to check your blood sugar and your insulin more frequently. This will allow you to make adjustments as needed and correct any problems before they get out of hand.

Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can lower your blood sugar, so extreme moderation is the name of the game. A drink or two a day is a good rule of thumb. And know what you’re drinking because the contents of alcohol can vary greatly. As always, be smart about what you drink.

Enjoy the Holidays

Having diabetes does complicate things, but it doesn’t have to take the fun out of the holidays. Treat yourself, but be smart.  Focus on making the most of each day and celebrating with friends and families. That’s what it’s all about. 

Have Questions? Talk to Your Doctor

Physicians who specialize in diabetes and endocrinology are incredible resources to help you navigate the holidays. Many practices, like UM Charles Regional Medical Group – Diabetes and Endocrinology, work closely with registered dieticians who can help you come up with a plan to make the most of this holiday season.