Surviving the Holidays With Diabetes, Expert Weighs In

The holidays can be a harrowing time for diabetics as there is no end to sugary sweet, carbohydrate-laden foods to tempt everyone’s taste buds, not just diabetics. However, if you or your children have diabetes, you must be particularly careful about overeating during the holidays. Pam Davis, R.D., L.D., CDE, certified diabetes educator at Baylor Medical Center at Garland, says, “Establish what you will and won’t allow yourself. For example, if you know you’re going to want some dessert at your friend’s dinner party, reserve some of your ‘carbohydrate budget’ out of the rest of the meal.”

At the office potluck, you can still taste a bit of everything by using portion control. “Don’t punish yourself by saying “I can’t have that’—instead, try a spoonful of all the items you’d like to sample,” says Davis. You won’t feel overly full, you’ll be happy that you tried everything, and you can compliment your co-workers on the dishes they brought.

Once you have a plan for the food you will sample, be sure to exercise. Pam Davis recommends mall walking as it is a great time to buy gifts and get your exercise at the same time.

For more information about Baylor Medical Center at Garland, visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.