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Type 2 Diabetes and Healthy Holiday Food

Tips for a Healthy, Happy Holiday with Diabetes

From , former About.com Guide

Updated December 09, 2009

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Type 2 Diabetes and Healthy Holiday Food

Celebrating a Healthy Holiday

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The holidays aren't always easy for someone who has type 2 diabetes. The holiday season revolves around family, friends and food, with sweet treats, cookies, and festive parties making it difficult to maintain a healthy diet. Much of the traditional holiday food is rich, and laden with calories and carbohydrates. It can seem like there is nothing but temptation from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.

How can you enjoy the holiday while watching what you eat?

A wide variety of foods make up the typical holiday dinner or party. Several kinds of side dishes, lots of old family favorites and many kinds of desserts, often take center stage, tempting you to try them all. But, you don't have to lose sight of your healthy intentions.

Make a diabetes game plan.

A wide variety of foods make up the typical holiday dinner. Several kinds of side dishes, lots of old family favorites and many kinds of desserts, are often on the table, beckoning you to try each and every one of them. But, do you have to eat them all? Not if you plan in advance what you're going to eat. Some strategic planning can help you make good choices and keep your carb intake from shooting through the roof. Offer to bring a low calorie dish.. or two.

  • Plan in advance what you're going to eat.
  • Scope out the choices and only eat your absolute favorites.
  • Take small portions of rich foods and fill up on vegetables and fruits
  • Offer to bring a low calorie dish.. or two.

Make your own delicious low calorie or low carb holiday recipes. Here are a few to try...

Start a new holiday tradition.

  • Take the focus off the food.
  • Suggest party and holiday activities that keep you active and away from the buffet table.
  • Go play outside. Try sledding or cross country skiing.
  • Play charades or other group activities.
  • Reconnect with family and friends.

With a plan of action, you can embrace the festivities and have a healthy and happy holiday.

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