Plan Ahead for Holiday Meals to Manage Diabetes

Honey glazed ham. Potatoes covered in butter. Eggnog.

These are not healthy food choices for anyone living with diabetes. But that’s what many people serve during the holidays to family and friends.

As difficult as it is to turn down a slice of pie, federal health experts say you can stick to healthy eating if you plan in advance.

Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to avoid overeating from the holiday buffet:

• Choose smaller portions.
• Look for the healthiest foods on the table. Avoid traditional holiday foods like fudge, cookies and bread rolls with butter.
• Once you have fixed your plate, move to a room away from the food if you can.
• Drink beverages that have few calories, such as: sparkling water, unsweetened tea and diet drinks.
• If your health care provider says alcohol is safe for you to drink, do it in moderation. For women, that’s one drink. For men, it’s two drinks. Always drink alcohol with food.
• Eat fresh fruit for dessert instead of cakes and pies, which can be loaded with fat, cholesterol and sugar.
• Don’t make food the focus of the holiday. Organize a family walk or dancing for everyone after the meal. Even small bursts of exercise help people lose weight.