No one wants to stress about food when they’re celebrating special occasions or events with friends and family, and guess what? You don’t have to. There are ways to enjoy food at special occasions while still keeping your glucose in check. Check out our tips:
Don’t skip meals
Have you ever waited all day for a special dinner so you could save room for more food? While this may seem like a fun idea it can negatively impact your glucose levels if you end up overeating. Make sure to eat a light, healthy snack like a cheese stick so you aren’t hungry while waiting for dinner. If you’re intermittent fasting, be sure to monitor your portion size once it’s time to eat.
Go for a walk after dinner
Going for a short walk after eating your meal not only helps you burn calories, it also helps prevent high glucose spikes. Since walking is a great low-impact exercise, you won’t have to worry about breaking a sweat or doing anything too strenuous. Consider walking for 15-20 minutes after dinner.
Bonus: The more the merrier, so consider asking your family or friends to walk with you after dinner!
Check your glucose levels
It’s important to pay attention to your glucose levels – especially during dinner. If you are a Level2 member your continuous glucose monitor (CGM) will easily tell you how certain foods are impacting your body right from your smartphone. Time flies when you are with your loved ones so be sure to check your numbers before/after dinner.
Eat protein and veggies first
What you eat and how you eat can make a big difference. If you’re already being mindful about what’s on your plate, there’s a small trick you can do to keep your glucose in check. Try eating your protein and your vegetables first, before you start on your carbohydrates. Eating protein first can keep your glucose from going too high because slow-digesting proteins, like fish or chicken, take longer for the body to break down.
Avoid sugary beverages
Sugary drinks like ones containing fructose or other added sugars, even alcohol, can send your glucose through a frenzy of highs and lows. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious special drinks and cocktails, but moderation is key. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 ounces of water throughout the day, avoid drinking sugary drinks on an empty stomach and check your glucose levels before and after. Avoid or limit drinks too high in sugar like sodas and concentrated fruit juice.
Nov. 16 2021