Diabetes During the Holidays by Antonio Peirce

Holiday Season is upon us.  Along with it, for many, a few pounds will also be upon us. A “few pounds” is one thing, but a trip to the hospital is not festive. So, how do you manage diabetes during the holidays? You manage with balance. Blood sugar getting too low at this time is an unlikely problem for most, so we will discuss blood sugar getting too high.

Let’s keep it festive, enjoy a holiday with friends and family without anxiety. Make your holiday special and exciting by planning ahead.  When moving into uncharted waters (family qualifies as uncharted waters, no matter how long you have known them), one must have a map. It needn’t be too precise and detailed, just a general plan, leaving room for the adventure.

• Make sure you have any Prescriptions or Supplements you may need.  Think about counting out your medicines and filling your scripts as needed. Insure that you have refills available to you before you leave town.
• Plan ahead for Physical Activity (this is a great way to manage your blood sugar), think about frequent walks, hit the gym if possible, maybe an online yoga course (Yogaglo.com is beyond excellent) or, in a pinch, good old fashioned calisthenics will do just fine (try push-ups to failure, 50 crunches, 50 jumping jacks in the morning).  Do something every morning and go for a walk after meals.
• Consider the Foods Likely to be Served or that you will be serving. Find balance, a bartering system that will work for you.  If for instance, you wish to have a reasonable slice of pumpkin pie, cut another carb out of your meal (a roll, mashed potatoes, your Uncle Bill’s Fondue Surprise); it is a matter of trading. Remember, too many fats and meats may also present problems if unmonitored. Maintain good portioning. Tricky as the game may be, play it well and you can enjoy some of your vices with little or no ill consequence.
• Plenty of Vegetables. Raw, steamed, lightly sautéed, cooked half to death (hey not everyone is a chef) vegetables of any kind, well almost, try to avoid buttered and deep fried. Salad with reasonable dressing is an excellent choice; sneak a peek at the dressing or choose a simple Italian vinaigrette, always a safe bet. Enjoy the peas peas have been demonstrated in numerous studies to help regulate blood sugar.
• Don’t forget, Alcohol is a Sugar, take this into account in your planning. Of all cocktails, vodka with sparkling water and a lime wedge (not tonic) will carry the least collateral damage. The better the vodka, the less the toxins and sugars.

There are also some therapeutic services that you can pre-treat yourself to prior to or during the holidays to prepare your body for the roller coaster of events and activities during the holiday season.

• Come in for an Ozone Therapy (super oxygenating the blood, plasma and cells) before you leave or become too busy. Ozone accelerates healing, helps substantially in the control and regulation of blood sugar and is generally vitalizing.
• A Nutritional IV is a great way to bump up the chromium, b complex, and vitamin C maximizing your ability to process difficult foods and bolstering your body against upcoming stressors.

The Cliff’s Notes version: Prescriptions, Supplements, lots of Veggies, Exercise, Food Trading, Vodka, Peas. Enjoy your holiday a little more with a simple map of the territory and a few simple preparations.  We at Bodhi wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and fine tidings in the New Year!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to the Bodhi Body RSS feed!