We all love to have a splurge at Christmas, but it is important not to over-indulge and feel negatively afterwards. So keep reading for my top tips!
1. Keep Moving!
- With the current Covid-19 rules here in the UK, we are allowed to see up to 6 people outdoors, so if this is the same for you, take full advantage of this and go our for some walks with loved ones.
- Walking is obviously great for your physical health and keeping your sugar levels on track this Christmas, but walking is also fantastic for mental health.
- Getting some fresh air and catching up with family and friends helps to decrease stress levels and gives you some joy after a very odd year!
- I also like to time my walks after I have had a treat, as this helps to prevent a sugar spike post-meal!
2. Choose alcohol with less sugar
- It is officially Christmas cocktail season! But remember how much sugar and calories can be packed into alcoholic beverages.
- So here are a few alternatives so you can have a treat and worry less about your sugar levels!
- Choose sugar free mixers and add lemon, lime or orange juice to make them sweeter and fresh.
- Always measure out your spirits!
- Use fresh ingredients and make your own syrups.
3. Make sweet treats yourself!
- When you make treats yourself, you know exactly what has gone into the recipe and you can make some ingredient swaps to make the treat have a benefit for your health.
- Some alternatives can include adding bananas and dried fruit to replace refined sugar. Also using coconut oil, olive oil or avocado.
- Be sure to read The best healthy chicken satay recipe!
- A great place to find some healthy recipes is https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/
4. Put snacks in smaller bowls
- Studies have shown that when we serve snacks in big bowls, we tend to eat more and over-indulge.
- So, when you fancy a snack, portion it out into smaller bowls to prevent over grazing.
- When snacks are portioned, it is much easier to know how many carbs you have eaten so calculating an insulin dose is much easier.
5. Limit dessert options
- If you have 4 dessert options you are very likely to try them all, and of course the carbs and sugar will add up and cause a big glucose spike.
- So aim to have 2 desserts that are homemade, to limit temptation so you are less likely to over-indulge!
Thank you so much for reading my top tips on how to stay on track this Christmas! I hope you found my tips useful!
If you liked this blog make sure you read 5 foods to limit if you’re living with diabetes! and 5 foods diabetics should be eating!