The holidays are full of joy and merriment, but there can also be some negative things that may impact your health. The abundance of sweet treats and poor weather can make it difficult to eat healthily and get enough exercise. It's important to continue to practice healthy habits throughout the year. So, to help you do just that we've compiled 7 tips to help you stay healthy during the holidays.

Plan Ahead

The key thing to having happy and successful holidays overall is proper preparation and planning. Knowing where you'll be and if you're the one who will be doing the cooking is critical. When you plan ahead, you know what to expect. So, if you're going to a family member's house for dinner offer to bring a low-carb dish.

Protect Your Feet

Remember that whether you're in rain, snow, or sunshine it's important that you continue to protect your feet. You want to keep your feet dry and at a comfortable temperature. It's easy for a small cut or pebble in your shoe to cause a much larger problem like a foot ulcer. So, always check your shoes and socks.

Schedule Next Year's Doctor Visits

Before the holidays, make a point to schedule a check-up with your doctor at the start of the new year. Check to see if you need to visit the podiatrist, eye doctor, dentist, your CDE, or your primary doctor. It's good to schedule these appointments before the holidays, so you know you're on track at the start of the new year.

Eat Smarter

With the abundance of sweet treats, cheese platters, and gingerbread houses it can be hard to resist some temptations. If you have concerns about your diet during the holidays contact your CDE or dietician. The key is moderation and making smart choices about the foods that you do choose to eat.

Stay Active

It's important to stay active during the holidays to maintain your health. Try taking walks before and after meals, and if the weather outside is bad consider doing an at-home exercise tape. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Manage Stress

Part of staying healthy includes your mental health. Stress can be abundant during the holidays, so it's important to find time to de-stress and relax. Take time to practice self-care and remember to do things for yourself. Whether it's 10 minutes of meditation or a short yoga class, do something for yourself.

Don't forget to stay hydrated

Sometimes between meals and during the excitement of the holidays, we can forget one key thing - drinking water. Sometimes we can confuse the sensation of hunger for simply being dehydrated. So, make sure that you get enough water throughout each day.

Additional Resources

• Holiday Season Eating Tips for People with Diabetes
• How to manage diabetes during the holidays
• Diabetes Holiday Recipes

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