Enjoy the Holidays but Stay Safe and Healthy

The holiday season is about to open with Hanukah, Christmas and the New Year. This is a great time to enjoy the festivities with family and friends. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued safety warnings to watch out for too much snacking, gaining weight, overeating and binge drinking.

Tips to Remain Healthy and Stay Safe During the Holidays

Diabetics

During the holidays, diabetics should try to eat at the same times as they always do in order to keep their blood sugar levels in balance. This is not always easy to do if you are invited out for a holiday feast. Eat some foods at the time you usually eat rather than waiting long hours without eating until the holiday meal begins. You can then eat less at the main holiday meal.

Diabetics should try to avoid alcoholic drinks, as alcohol can have a very bad effect on blood sugar levels. Alcohol can also interact in a bad way with diabetic medicines. If you do decide to drink anyways, then drink with the meal and not on an empty stomach.

People on Special Diets

Some people are on special diets where they are not allowed to eat certain foods or ingredients like salt, fats, trans fats, sugar, gluten, purines and more.

Rather than being tempted to eat all kinds of foods that are not healthy for you, bring along some of your own food to eat. The ideal situation is to go to a potluck meal where you can easily eat only your own food.

People with Food Allergies

Food allergies are potentially life threatening. Some people with dangerous food allergies have to carry a kit with them at all times that contains epinephrine, a form of adrenalin to inject themselves in case they accidently eat some food they are allergic to. Some of the more common food allergies are nuts, peanuts, eggs, sesame, wheat, milk, fish, shell fish and soy. However, some people are allergic to other foods commonly found in most prepared foods such as onions. Imagine trying to find something that is egg-free or onion-free? If you have serious food allergies, do not trust your eyes. That chocolate cake may have finely ground nuts or 10 eggs or contain milk. Desert foods like cakes and cookies are the most potentially dangerous foods for people with food allergies, as you cannot see with your eyes what the ingredients are. Also, even food products that do not list your allergy on their ingredient list may not be 100% accurate. For instance, some of the food processing machines may also be used for foods you are allergic to and may contain traces of the allergens. Best to eat a banana rather than a banana cake or an apple rather than apple pie. Bring some of your own fresh fruit with you.

People on Diets to Lose Weight

There is no question that for people on a special diet to lost weight, the holidays pose a big obstacle. Ideally, you should attend a holiday meal with other people who are also on diets to lose weight. However, if this is not the case, the best bet is to start the meal with low calorie foods like salads and vegetables to fill up a bit and then maybe you will eat less fattening and high calorie foods.

Try to Eat more Slowly

The CDC suggest that people should try to eat more slowly, as it takes 20 minutes for the brain to understand that you are full.

Get Moving and Walk More

Make sure during this high calorie holiday season to get up, get moving and walk more. If you are eating more, then you should walk or exercise more. If the weather outside is not good for walking, then walk around your local mall.

Make sure you get Enough Sleep

It is very important to get 7-8 hours of good quality sleep, especially if you are a diabetic.

Respite Care at the Royal Suites Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Galloway, New Jersey

If your holiday plans are not suitable for your chronically ill loved one or if you really need a break, you should know that the Royal Suites Healthcare and Rehabilitation in scenic Galloway Township, New Jersey offers respite care. Respite care allows you to send your loved one for a few days, a few weeks or even longer to Royal Suites. Your loved one will be in a warm and friendly environment. There will be festive, delicious and nutritious holiday meals with the needs of your loved one taken into consideration. There will also be all kinds of entertainment suitable for the holidays. You will be able to take a break while knowing that your loved one is safe and is being looked after 24 hours a day. To read more about respite care see our blog post from April 25, 2018.

Conclusion

Enjoy the holidays, but make sure to stay healthy and safe!