Family in kitchen preparing meal4 Tips for Prediabetics to Make Healthy Choices During the Holidays

By Rebecca Conrad, Personal Trainer and YMCA-USA Diabetes Wellness Coach

Many people find it challenging to stick to their healthy lifestyle during the holiday season. For those with prediabetes, this can be an especially challenging time to stick with the dietary and physical activity habits necessary to prevent the development of diabetes. Here are a few tips to help prediabetics make wise choices and enjoy the holidays:

  1. Anticipate and Plan for Parties and Events
    • Think about what will be served and whether you can make special requests.
    • Make adjustments to what you eat during the day to allow a few more calories during the event.
    • Focus on the non-eating aspects of the event that you enjoy.
  2. Have Reasonable Expectations
    • Keep track of your eating and how active you are.
    • Plan to maintain your weight.
    • Let go a little and eat something special, considering smaller portions.
  3. Build-in Ways To Be Active
    • Park further away and walk when doing holiday errands or sight-seeing.
    • Look for seasonal ways to be active that can become traditions.
  4. Hold a Family Meeting Ahead of Time
    • Talk about ways your family can help you stay on track.
    • What are fun ways we can all be physically active together?
    • What kinds of foods will we have in the house?

If you or someone you know is at risk for developing diabetes, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help. This small-group program helps people with prediabetes eat healthier, increase their physical activity, and lose weight, which can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.  This year-long program begins in January 2021. Sign up today!