Eating healthy for the holidays: 10 tips to maintain glucose goals

Nov. 14, 2024 • 5 min read

Table of contents

The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.

Imagine a holiday season where you enjoy every celebration and still stay on track with your health goals. With a little planning, some healthy eating hacks, and a few delicious, glucose-friendly recipes, you can make it through the holidays feeling empowered, not overwhelmed.

Festive food hacks

Hack #1: Stick with the plate method

The plate method can be your best friend at holiday buffets. Try to fill half your plate with non-starchy veggies, a quarter with protein, and a quarter with carbs. Yes, it can be tricky with all the casseroles, but use this method as a guide. It can help you balance your meal without missing out on your favorites.

Hack #2: Come prepared

If holiday gatherings usually lack non-starchy vegetables, why not offer to bring one? Surprise your friends with a veggie dish that’s not only delicious but good for your glucose levels too. Here are a few ideas:

Hack #3: Be a healthy host

Hosting this year? Make it a potluck. Focus on preparing a protein-packed dish like herb-roasted turkey or baked salmon, then ask your guests to bring the sides. This way, you can ensure a balanced, lower-carb foundation. Need ideas? Try:

Herb-roasted turkey with mashed cauliflower
Baked salmon with a citrus and cranberry salad

Hack #4: Don’t forget dessert

Craving something sweet? If you know dessert’s coming, keep portions of carb-heavy foods like potatoes or pasta smaller during dinner. And if you’re bringing a dessert, why not make it glucose-friendly? Here are some treats to consider:

Holiday feel-good hacks

Hack #5: Stay mindful

It’s easy to overindulge when the table is packed with your holiday favorites, but mindful eating can make a huge difference. Take smaller portions, chew thoroughly, and savor every bite. Slow down, enjoy the flavors, and engage in conversation. Studies show that eating mindfully not only helps manage portions but also makes the meal more enjoyable.

Hack #6: Hydrate wisely

Dehydration is known to cause glucose levels to rise, so keep a water bottle handy. Consider drinking a glass of water before meals to help with portion management. And when you want something more exciting than water, try other low-sugar options like these:

Hack #7: Make time for movement

Even with a packed holiday schedule, finding time for movement can help keep your glucose levels stable. A short walk after meals or a morning workout can make all the difference. Remember, even just two minutes of walking can have a positive impact.

Hack #8: Prioritize stress management

Stress has a sneaky way of raising glucose levels as it can cause us to eat larger portion sizes and make less healthy choices. Taking time for deep breathing, listening to calming music, or doing yoga can help you stay relaxed and manage your glucose levels. It’s all about finding what soothes you.

Holiday glucose biosensing hacks

Hack #9: Track your glucose levels 24/7

Using a glucose biosensor like Stelo gives you the power to make healthy decisions in the moment. Check your glucose levels before eating to guide your portion sizes, and check again after meals to see how your body responds. If you notice a glucose spike, a short walk can often help bring levels back down.

Hack #10: Think big picture

It’s what we do most of the time that matters. A holiday meal might cause a spike, but focusing on your overall patterns will give you more insight into your health. Tools like Stelo’s Glucose Summary can help you see the big picture and track your progress over 14 or 30 days. It’s all about trends, not one-off meals.

Savor and sustain

The holiday season doesn’t have to throw off your health goals. With a few small adjustments, you can enjoy every celebration while keeping your glucose at optimum levels. Be kind to yourself and find that sweet spot between stable glucose and savoring the season.

Try out a few hacks from this post before the holidays to see how they work for you. This way, you’ll head into the season with a plan that’s already been tested.