St. Francis Hospital | Life & Health | Fall 2018

Watching what you eat is an essential part of managing diabetes. So what’s a person supposed to do during the holidays, when tempting food takes center stage at every party and family gathering? Good news! You can enjoy the holidays without letting your diabetes care plan get totally out of whack. To help, check out these pointers, courtesy of the American Diabetes Association and other experts: D I A B E T E S AND T H E HO L I DAYS Healthy eating hints Do dessert—but not a lot. Small portions of sweets are OK on special occasions. To make room in your meal plan for dessert, you might consider cutting one of your other carb choices that day. Go easy on carb- rich foods, like rolls and mashed potatoes. Choose very small portions (as in, just a few bites) if you have more than a couple starchy choices. Take a hike. Exercise helps keep blood sugar levels and holiday calories in check. Keep out of the cookie jar. Don’t let your blood sugar spike before the cranberry sauce even hits the table. When craving a snack, reach for a healthy one. How about cut-up carrots and broccoli and a low-calorie dip? LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS? Learn how to successfully manage diabetes year-round. Go to ssmhealth.com to learn more about our diabetes management classes! Make a favorite holiday recipe healthier. Try using less sugar or using a sugar substitute when baking Grandma’s apple pie. Offer to bring some nonstarchy veggies to your gathering. From asparagus to cauliflower to salad greens, they’re lower in carbs and calories. Other people might enjoy having healthy options too! LIFE AND HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of SSMHEALTH ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL, 2016 S. Main St., Maryville, MO 64468, telephone 660-562-7933. Information in LIFE AND HEALTH comes from a wide range of medi- cal experts. Ifyou have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affectyour health, please contactyour health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2018 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Rita Miller Manager of Community Relations & Development DeAnn Davison Communications Specialist Megan Jennings Development Officer SSM HEALTH ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL 2016 S. Main St. Maryville, MO 64468 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Pewaukee, WI Permit No. 921