The holidays are packed with so many great foods, but that could mean trouble if you're diabetic.
So, here are some things to keep in mind when you're preparing a holiday meal:
-count your carbohydrates
Carbs raise blood sugar, so look at the ‘total carbohydrates' on the label, not just the sugar
-watch out for fruits, dairy, starchy vegetables, and grains
-watch your salt
Soups and broth are usually packed with sodium. Either cut back, or use a low-sodium broth in holiday recipes.
-cut down on both saturated and trans fats
One tip – for recipes calling for soup, you can usually find a healthy version with less fat. “Fat can also be something that can keep us heart healthy which is very important with diabetes and also decrease some calories in some of these recipes,” says diabetes educator Katie Mick.
Don't forget to eat your protein at every meal. Try to choose lean cuts of chicken fish and pork.
And don't forget to limit your sugar intake, especially in desserts. Try fresh fruit, or frozen fruit with no added sugar or canned fruit in 100% fruit juice.
And finally, be prepared when you're going to a pot luck to take along a healthy option. That way if everything else there available is on the unhealthy side, you have something to eat.
