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Diabetes and the holidays.

Written by First Stop Health Coaches | Sep 20, 2024 1:57:05 PM

With the holidays just around the corner, managing diabetes requires careful planning and self-control. Everywhere you turn, the sweets and carbohydrate laden foods are abundant!

Tips to help manage diabetes this holiday season. 
  • Look for diabetes-friendly alternatives such as fresh baked sweets potatoes instead of sweet potato casserole, or mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes.
  • Farm fresh fruits and vegetables are in season! These include apples and winter squash. Try something new this time of year!
  • Cinnamon has been shown to have some impact on lowering blood sugars: Try ½ to 2 teaspoons per day.
  • Plan ahead. If you’re going to a party, don’t linger near the food table and keep alcohol intake to a minimum: one drink for women, two for men per CDC guidelines.
  • Aim for balance. Skip the potatoes and eat the dessert or vice versa.
  • Eat slowly and savor each bite. Recognize fullness before you are full.
  • Take the focus off food and socialize.
  • Exercise. Suggest a walk or hike after lunch or dinner with family and friends. As weather allows, play a game of yard football or frisbee. Regular exercise helps stabilize blood sugars.
  • Manage the stress of the holidays. Stress can have an impact on blood sugar levels.

  • Eat all meals normally. Skipping meals and eating one large meal can wreak havoc on blood sugar readings.

Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie

Ready in: 1 hr 10 mins
Serves: 8

Ingredients:
2 eggs
15 oz can pumpkin
3/4 cup Splenda granular
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp clove
12 oz can evaporated milk
1-9 inch unbaked pie shell

 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Combine ingredients.
  3. Pour into pie crust.
  4. Bake 15 minutes at 425 degrees.
  5. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 45 minutes.
  6. Cool and garnish with whipped cream.

 

Care you will love.

First Stop Health providers are here to care for you! You can schedule a visit with our primary care providers, certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians to talk about your health concerns. All our visits are virtual, so you can get care from where you're most comfortable!