The temptations of the holidays are everywhere, so let’s follow the experts’ advice and make a few delicious appetizers to restrain the temptations of food.
It’s the season for social events! In addition to the major holidays, everyone’s schedule is likely to be filled with office parties, community receptions, and family gatherings …… This can easily break up a patient’s daily eating routine.
But with these tips, it’s possible to enjoy this holiday season while staying healthy.
Plan ahead
Still follow your daily routine on the day of the party so that when you go to a holiday party or a big meal, you stay moderately hungry and don’t gobble it up. This serves two purposes, says Mindy Haar, a dietitian and head of the clinical nutrition program at New York Institute of Technology. It works because patients are neither too hungry nor willing to eat whatever food is on the table. Also, patients don’t think, “I’ve been hungry all day, I can just let go and eat whatever I want.”
Be prepared
It’s OK to offer to bring a vegetarian side dish or appetizer over. “As a hostess, I like to have someone bring a salad or an extra vegetarian dish to help with the party,” Dr. Haar said.
Sit and savor
After filling your own plate, step away from the buffet table and sit down with your companions to enjoy your own food. “If you stand at the table, you’re likely to take in too many calories,” said Lezlie Sparks, a certified diabetes education specialist and dietitian at Plano Medical Center.
Forming memories
“While we enjoy the process of tasting food, a meal only lasts 20-30 minutes,” Sparks said. “The memory of the food, however, lasts a lifetime. The memory created by eating only two or three bites is the same as the memory created by eating 20 bites.” A small taste of your favorite holiday food can be just as satisfying as a big meal.
Stick to self-testing your blood sugar
Regular blood glucose testing becomes more important than ever when deviating from your daily eating habits. Patients may even be surprised, says Dr. Haar: “If the blood sugar numbers are still on target and you’re eating more than usual, that’s great. It’s just a matter of keeping the blood sugar in the target range.”