Fresh Focus #14: Holiday Hosting Guide

Are you hosting a holiday meal or party this year? Don’t get overwhelmed! Our Marion VA Health Care System Diabetes Educators are able to assist in the meal planning if your guests include people with diabetes in episode 14 of the Fresh Focus Podcast.  Just remember no one food or beverage is necessarily excluded for someone with diabetes.  It is important to balance between starchy foods like stuffing and yams and non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, broccoli. And to be mindful of alcohol intake.   Meals or appetizers can easily incorporate dietary needs without distracting any flavor, but find out more tips as a host one what the best strategy for creating a diabetic-friendly gathering! Key holiday hosting tips:1.       Hosting for the holidays for people with diabetes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Plan the menu with a balance between starchy foods like stuffing and yams with non-starchy vegetables like broccoli or green beans.2.      Allow guests to dress and sauce their own food. This helps those who are counting their carbohydrates which might impact their insulin injections.  3.      Alcohol consumption can interfere with blood sugar as well as the hormones needed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. 4.      In your pre-party preparation, you might get some fruit juice or regular soda to have on hand in the event someone may experience a hypoglycemia (or low blood sugar).5.      A vegetable tray or appetizers such as cheese, apples, or black bean dip will provide healthy options for individuals with Diabetes to keep blood sugar stable while waiting on the holiday meal. 6.      Focus on keeping things simple and cost efficient to have a smooth, successful party.  Remember the holidays are meant to represent the spirit of giving, understanding, and compassion, and there’s nothing that better signifies these principles than being aware of all guests needs.