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Managing Diabetes Magazine - diabetes

Celebrating Health
Have fun while keeping diabetes in check

Celebrations and special occasions are full of family and friends… and food. Eating at restaurants and social events is so enjoyable. However, it is easy to overdo it when eating out. Indulging too often can lead to weight gain or make it harder to control your blood glucose. A little forethought allows you to celebrate while still keeping your diabetes under control.

Party planning

• Plan your meals and snacks so that you do not arrive at a party overly hungry. There are usually a lot of tempting foods at social events. It can be hard to make healthy choices when you haven’t eaten for a while.
• Make time to eat. Holidays and celebrations can be busy. Still, taking the time to eat well helps keep your blood glucose in check. Eat three meals at regular times each day. Space them no more than six hours apart.
  

At restaurants

• Be alert for words on menus like creamy, crispy, fried or breaded. These terms often refer to foods that are high in calories or fat.
• Choose foods that are grilled, steamed or broiled instead.
• Do not be afraid to make special requests. For instance, ask for steamed veggies or a salad instead of fries.
  Select a lighter main course if you are having an appetizer.
• Watch portion sizes of starches and sweets. Cut down on portions of starchy foods such as potato, rice and pasta, if you plan to have dessert.
• Share an item or take leftovers home for another meal.

At social events

• Control portions at parties by putting appetizers on a napkin rather than a plate.
• Move away from the food table to socialize.
• Carry a glass of water so one hand is full.
• Limit deep-fried and high fat items like mozza sticks, chicken wings, cold cuts, creamy dips and rich desserts.
• Load up with veggies and fruit and a small amount of dip.
• Try items like bruschetta, hummus, salsa and whole grain crackers.
• Choose protein foods without breading, like kabobs, smoked salmon or mussels.
  

Enjoying social occasions, parties and eating out is still possible even when you have diabetes. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy your celebrations while keeping your blood glucose in check.

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FAMILY HEALTH is written with the assistance of

FAMILY HEALTH is written with the assistance of

While effort is made to reflect accepted medical knowledge and practice, articles in Family Health Online should not be relied upon for the treatment or management of any specified medical problem or concern and Family Health accepts no liability for reliance on the articles. For proper diagnosis and care, you should always consult your family physician promptly. © Copyright 2019, Family Health Magazine, a special publication of the Edmonton Journal, a division of Postmedia Network Inc., 10006 - 101 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 0S1    [DI_MDab15]