Holiday Hints for Eating Healthy

The few simple rules for a healthy diet still apply on holiday: Eat MORE starch and fiber and eat LESS sugar, fat and salt. There are also some other things to consider!

Changing your routine?

If you are going to change when you have your main meal of the day, for example at lunch-time rather than in the evening, experiment with this change before you actually leave home. Use your blood testing to see how your blood glucose is affected so that you can take steps to prepare yourself for the holiday routine.

Off-duty from the kitchen!

Less cooking and more eating out is always an important part of holidays! But do remember that you may not always know what's in the meal which is presented to you. Use your blood testing to keep a close eye on how your glucose is affected. If you're on the go, go slow! Whether you're cooking and cleaning in preparation for your guests, or pacing yourself for a family fun day out, bear in mind that choosing “slow-acting” carbohydrates can really help to control your blood glucose levels. These foods slow down the rate at which you digest and absorb sugars in your food and so will help you avoid hypos when you are out and about.

Fruit, vegetables, beans and lentils, as well as pasta, rice, barley and oats are all slow-acting carbohydrates. So, as well as popping apples, bananas and pears into your bag, if you have time to prepare a picnic try some of the following ideas:

• Pasta, tuna, sweetcorn and tomato salad
• Basmati rice, cooked chicken, low-fat mayo with a little curry powder and a few raisins
• Sandwiches made with mixed grain breads that include whole grains (whole grains act as a physical barrier that slows down the absorption of carbohydrate, which means this type of bread is slower-acting than whole-meal or white breads.)

Important Notice: Information provided is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any health care questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to health care issues.

DOC11717-Rev-A 04/08