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The Holiday Season is fast approaching and with it a smorgasbord of culinary temptations. It seems that this time of the year brings out the baker in some of the most unpredictable places. Even the bah hum bug boss seems to know how to put some ready made cookie dough into the oven. It can cause sensory overload to even the air traffic controllers at the North Pole. So what is a diabetic to do?

Well, Santa Clause got it right - start with a list. List your rules of engagement for the holiday season. Empower yourself to be a step ahead of the pastry toting crowds and get a grip. Everyone wants to have good times during this festive season and as a diabetic you should expect nothing less. Thus, your number one priority should be keeping your health in check. You know that over-indulging with food and drink can lead to a diabetic hang-over which leaves you feeling guilty, glutton like, and gloomy. Who wants that?

Tips to Keep Your Diabetes in Check

1. During the holidays be sure to keep up the rigor of monitoring and maintaining a record of your blood glucose levels as outlined by your Primary Care Physician.

2. Prepare to be tempted. Have a healthy attitude and healthy snacks available to break out when others are eating unhealthy morsels. Bring a diabetic friendly treat to share with others if you are feeling left out.

3. Plan to divide and conquer. This is a good rule to apply throughout the year but it is especially useful during the holidays. Start by drawing an imaginary line down the middle of your plate and filling half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables. On the other half of the plate draw another imaginary line. Fill one half of the section with lean meat or protein and the other half with a whole wheat or starchy vegetable. For dessert add a fruit cocktail, a piece of fruit, 1/8th piece of pie, or small slice of cake. Your drink should be unsweetened ice tea, coffee, water or a diet soda. Avoid seconds by keeping in mind that the average holiday meal contains 2,500 to 3,000 calories and approximately 40 percent of the calories are from fat.

4. Keep your health in balance. Continue to get 7-9 hours of sleep nightly, exercise for at least 20 minutes each day, do a relaxing activity for 20 minutes each day, and engage in activities that make you laugh for 10 to 15 minutes each day. Prepare meals that are diabetic friendly. This would include ingredients that are all natural, low in fat, and unprocessed. Make non-starchy vegetables, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, lean proteins, low-fat cheese and milk, and complex carbohydrates part of your regular meal planning.

Finally, don't underestimate the impact stress can have on your blood sugar levels. If you get blue during this time of year surround yourself with people and activities that lift your spirits. If you are stressing over spending money on gifts for family and friends remember that this is a time of giving from the heart and not from the pocket book. Some of the best gifts received are those that are made and given with pride.

Take care and be healthy,

Kimberley