November is National Diabetes Month, and it lands right at the start of the holiday food season. If you’re managing diabetes, you don’t have to sit out the feast. With a little planning, you can enjoy the gathering and still look after your health.
Everyone’s plan is different, so this isn’t a substitute for advice from your own care team. Think of it as a few ideas to bring to that conversation.
A Plan Beats a Willpower Test
Looking at the table and deciding on the spot is hard. Instead, picture your plate before you sit down. Decide which favorites you most want and how much of each feels right. When you’ve made the choice ahead of time, you’re free to relax and enjoy the meal.
Build a Balanced Plate
Many people find it helpful to fill a good portion of the plate with non-starchy vegetables, add a protein like turkey, and keep starchy sides like stuffing, potatoes, and rolls to smaller servings. Take your time, and savor the dishes that matter most to you. If a certain pie is the whole reason you come to Thanksgiving, plan for it and skip the filler.
Keep Meals and Medications on Schedule
Skipping breakfast to save room for dinner often backfires, and it can throw off blood sugar and medication timing. Eat at your regular times, and ask your doctor or pharmacist how the holiday schedule should fit with your medications. Drink water throughout the day, and be mindful of sweetened beverages.
Treats on Your Terms
You can enjoy dessert. A small slice, shared between two people, or a favorite treat after a short walk can fit into many plans. Check with your care team about what works for you, and about how and when you should monitor your blood sugar during the holiday.
Move After the Meal
A gentle walk after dinner is a lovely tradition, and it helps you digest and unwind. Invite a family member, and the walk becomes part of the celebration. If walking is difficult, gentle stretches or a short stroll indoors can help too.
Don’t Forget Your Feet
Diabetes can affect circulation and sensation in the feet, so daily foot checks matter even more during busy weeks. Our September guide to everyday senior foot care walks through shoe fit, daily checks, and when to call a podiatrist.
A Plate Planned Ahead
Imagine a Resident who loves her family’s sweet potato casserole. Before the holiday, she talks with her doctor, then decides to enjoy a small serving, load her plate with green beans and turkey, and take a walk with her grandson after dinner. She leaves the table satisfied instead of stressed. This is a hypothetical, but the idea is a common one: a plan lets you enjoy the day.
Questions for Your Care Team
If you have diabetes, consider asking: How should I handle meal timing on holidays? What should my plate look like? When should I check my blood sugar? A registered dietitian can also help you build a personal plan. Wishing you a flavorful, steady Thanksgiving from all of us at Westmont Village Homes.
Learn about Westmont Village Homes or call (951) 697-2060.
