Blog

Last month was national Diabetes month and Dr. Nick Nicholson was featured in the White Rock Lake Weekly publication. He wrote an article with six tips to help you stay focused on your diet during the holiday season. Thanksgiving has already past, but Christmas is not too far away so these tips are great ways to stay on track. Below is the full article that Dr. Nick wrote for the White Rock Lake Weekly.

The holidays are hard enough for those without eating restrictions, but for the 24 million people in America living with diabetes – it can be daunting.

The good news is it doesn’t have to be. American Diabetes Month in November kicks off the holiday season with Stop Diabetes, a national movement to help us confront, fight and, most importantly, stop diabetes. Through aware- ness and education, getting through the holidays with diabetes can be simple.

• Pre-eat
  If you eat something small before going out, you are more likely to stick with smaller portions and better choices when you get to meal time. If you will be eating off your scheduled meal, it will serve as a snack to get you through.
• Plan ahead
  Don’t worry about what is being served at the party. Revamp your favorite holiday recipe and offer to bring a dish that you and others can enjoy.
• Party in moderation
  If the food being served is during a typical meal time, keep the portions small and try to eat the same amount of carbohydrates you normally would during your meals. Savor the food and eat slowly.
  If you want to indulge in sweets, watch out for starchy foods and savor a small piece of something special. The same goes for alcohol – remember to eat something first to prevent a drop in blood glucose levels and keep it to no more that one drink for women, two for men.
• Navigate, then partake
  Look around at your options and see what is available. Decide what foods are must haves and what is optional. Load up with diabetic-friendly foods first and then go back for a few extras.
• Focus on the fun, not the food
  Once you have eaten, mix and mingle with family and friends for an optimal holiday experience.
• Get back on track
  If you get caught up in the moment and overindulge, get back on track the next day or during the next meal. Include an extra exercise session, monitor glucose levels and return to eating as you usually do. Just because you eat badly at one meal, doesn’t mean the whole day is ruined.

Remember, while American Diabetes Month is one month, diabetics deal with the challenge of balanced meal planning every day. To find more information about American Diabetes Month or American Diabetes Association, please go to www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES. To find more information on Dr. Nick Nicholson or the Nicholson Clinic, please go to www.nicholsonclinic.com or call (972) 535-8269.