It's time to consider ways to manage your blood sugar on Thanksgiving...or not. Some people don't make a plan and decide NOT to pay attention to their diabetes on Thanksgiving. It's a personal choice. But whatever you decide it's good to have a plan. Here are some things to consider as you decide how you'll handle turkey day, and some strategies that people with diabetes use. As you probably already know, the problem with Thanksgiving is the abundance of food and the tradition of eating large portions. This wreaks havoc on glucose when you have diabetes. After eating too much your … [Read more...]
How to Plan Healthy, Quick and Easy Meals
Planning healthy, quick and easy meals is easier than you might think. You can eat foods you already enjoy. You don't need any special foods or skills -- no label reading or counting. Many people have heard false information about how to eat when you have diabetes. Here are some common misconceptions: You shouldn't eat anything white-no bread, potatoes, pasta and rice. You have to make a separate meal and can't eat what the rest of your family is eating. You should just eat vegetables and meat. You should not have any sugar, carbohydrate, or fried foods. You need to go … [Read more...]
7 Tips for a Healthy Tailgate
It's football season! No matter if you’re rooting for your favorite team at the stadium or from the comfort of your own home, here are my 7 tips for a healthy tailgate. Start the Day off Right. When prepping for a long day of tailgating, it’s easy to forget to set aside the time for a nice hearty breakfast. However, it’s important to start your day off right with a breakfast filled with fiber rich carbs and protein.. A balanced breakfast also means you’re less likely to crave unhealthier options later in the day and it keeps your energy levels balanced throughout the morning. Oatmeal, … [Read more...]
Avoid this Common Mistake when Checking your Blood Sugar
Monitoring your blood sugar is a great way to learn how your body responds to your meals, exercise, and medications and lets you know if your levels are safe. To ensure an accurate blood sugar reading, avoid this common mistake: Pricking your finger without washing it first. Wash your hands with soap and water before pricking your finger. No, licking your finger doesn't really clean it. Alcohol pads are not as effective as plain soap and water. The dirty stuff gets moved around but but not washed down the sink. Many people don't bother with this step. But studies have shown … [Read more...]
Calorie Counts for Cool Summertime Drinks
When you have diabetes, sugary summertime drinks quickly raise your blood sugar. Here are calorie counts for some of our favorite cool summer drinks to help you make healthier choices. After spending a long day out in the sweltering summer sun, it might be tempting to grab the nearest icy beverage to help cool off. However, some of the most popular summertime beverages have a surprising amount of sugar. In fact, from cocktails to snowballs, oftentimes these sweet and icy drinks can contain an entire meal’s worth of calories, but offer minimal nutritional value. For example, one … [Read more...]