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Holiday Celebration
Diabetes Support Group Meeting Highlights
November 20, 2007
The last diabetes support meeting for 2007 had a little humor in addition to
the helpful hints for the holidays. While we had a lot of laughs and fun, we
can only ope that the real message was understood as well.
Food is more plentiful this time of year, which means those with diabetes
need to take extra care. Holiday tips from Lucy and Ethel (aka Carol and
Carlene) included:
- Do not arrive starved for gatherings. Some people skip lunch in an effort
to save calories for the big event, but going to a get-together really hungry
can set you up for consuming too much. Consider eating something before you go
that may help curb the appetitie, like an orange, tomato juice, some carrots
or some nuts.
- Take a dish to pass that you know is lower in carbohydrates and would give
you the opportunity to eat comfortably.
- Sugar-free does not mean you can eat unlimited portion sizes. Most of the
sugar-free items do contain carbohydrates and still need to be considered when
counting carbohydrates.
- Practice portion control: 1/2 cup is still 1/2 cup and not 1/2 the plate.
By keeping that in mind, total consumption can be reasonable. Try smaller
serving plates and bowls.
- Go easy on the alcohol beverages. Not only do they add calories, but they
also impair judgement to the point that carbohydrate counting does not seem
as important.
- Suggest taking a walk a little while after the meal, and it is generally
good to have some company.
- Put the food away after the meal. Often we are allowed to graze through
the whole day. There should be a stopping point!
- Forgive yourself if you are overindulgent and learn from the experience.
Don't get to thinking that you blew it for the whole day. Just go back to your
meal plan as soon as you can.
- Don't let diabetes keep you from being with the family. Holidays don't have
to be an excuse for overeating. Keep in mind that it is not about the food.
There will be no diabetes support meeting in December or January, but the
schedule will resume on the third Tuesday of the month, February 19th. See
you then.
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