Holiday Sweets & Treats
Recently I received the following question on FOODPICKER.org:
Question: I have diabetes and this time of year is the toughest for me. It seems holiday treats/sweets are everywhere tempting me! Is it ok to indulge a little? If not, how can I build up enough will power to avoid holiday sweets?
Answer: There are so many sweets and treats out during the holiday that it can be rough on anyone’s diet, so you are not alone! There is no reason that you need to deprive yourself – it is okay to indulge a little (yes, just a little). If you do eat sweets, monitor your portion sizes by sticking to one serving, or sharing a serving with a family member or friend. Remember, carbohydrates also cause a spike in blood sugar just as sweets and treats do. If you indulge (a little) you can compensate through medication or your diet later in the day. Here are some tips to help you from overindulging:
- Keep sweets/treats out of your house completely. When grocery shopping, skip the sweets aisle and ask family members to help you stay on track.
- If you are attending a holiday party, bring a diabetes-friendly dish.
- Exercise! This will help you avoid the holiday bulge. Exercise could make you feel better about yourself and help you avoid the dessert table.
Happy holidays!