Embracing Mindful, Diabetes-Friendly Eating This Christmas

It's Christmas time! How can we embrace mindful, diabetes-friendly eating while still having a blast and ditching the guilt? Well, here's our exciting take... Seafood! It's indulgent, thrilling, delicious, and incredibly good for you!

Seafood: A Festive Delight

Let's face it, we don't get enough fish in our diet, and it can be challenging since the kids aren't big fans. But come Christmas, we go all out! We indulge in prawns, salt and pepper squid, and pickled octopus—a real treat considering the cost! Ham is a must-have staple. We skip the fancy salads with indulgent sauces and opt for simple steamed broccoli and carrots on the side.

The Sweet Side of Christmas

And that's not everything we enjoyed! There's still Christmas cake, cream, and eggnog to come (because we're definitely not aiming for perfection)... but hey, at least with our main lunch meal, we can feel great about our choices!

When it comes to glucose levels...

Get ready for a sugar rollercoaster! This snapshot was taken at 8 am on Boxing Day, capturing glucose levels starting from lunchtime on Christmas Day. The main meal featured the delicious seafood you see in the picture, and as you can tell, glucose levels were pretty impressive! An afternoon swim might have helped keep things in check. But then came the evening spike—definitely the eggnog! No surprise it’s a 'once a year' treat. Paired with some Christmas cake and cream, it's clear why levels shot up to 20 mmol. But overnight, we’re back to the ideal range—yay!

The Joy of Indulgence

Indulgence is absolutely possible, and it MUST happen! We all deserve to live life to the fullest and savor every moment—whether we have diabetes or not. The secret to a joyful life lies in being consistently mindful and thoughtful about everything, from the food we eat to the experiences we cherish!

Tips for a Diabetes-Friendly Christmas

Here are some tips to keep your festive season both joyful and mindful:

1. Plan Ahead: Before the festivities begin, plan your meals. This way, you can ensure you have plenty of diabetes-friendly options available.
   
   
2. Portion Control: It’s easy to overindulge during Christmas. Keep an eye on portion sizes, especially with high-carb foods.
   
   
3. Stay Active: Incorporate some fun activities with the family. A post-lunch walk or a game of backyard cricket can help manage glucose levels.
   
   
4. Mindful Eating: Take your time to enjoy each bite. Savoring your food can enhance your experience and help you feel satisfied with smaller portions.
   
   
5. Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It helps with digestion and can curb unnecessary snacking.
   
   
6. Celebrate with Alternatives: Consider healthier alternatives for traditional treats. For example, try a sugar-free version of eggnog or a lighter Christmas cake.
   
   
7. Stay Connected: Share your experiences with others. Whether it's through family gatherings or online communities, connecting with others can provide support and encouragement.
   
   

Conclusion

Christmas is a time for joy, laughter, and delicious food. By embracing mindful eating, we can enjoy the festive season without the guilt. So, let’s raise a glass (of water!) to a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and diabetes-friendly delights. Remember, it’s all about balance and making choices that allow us to enjoy our time together!

The naughty culprit!