Even with diabetes , you can still enjoy CNY goodies. Just take simple steps such as having a healthy meal before going on house visits, consuming smaller frequent meals and replacing sugary drinks with water.
7 Tips to keep diabetes under control during Chinese New Year
Ms Kala Adaikan, Principal Dietitian, Department of Dietetics, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group, provides the following tips on keeping diabetes under control during Chinese New Year:
Your breakfast should include complex (starchy) carbohydrates packed with lots of fibre (e.g. whole oats, multi-grain cereals, wholemeal bread), nuts and seeds. Starchy carbohydrates will release glucose into the blood stream at a slower rate compared to sugary foods.
If you're unsure what limit you should set on the love letters and pineapple tarts, check with your doctor or your dietitian. Beware how easy the total carbohydrates consumed add up with every additional peanut cookie or kueh bangkit.
Ask for tea, water or lemon water instead, or pick one with reduced sugar.
Prevent sudden spikes in blood glucose levels by eating small, frequent meals.
If you must have bak kwa and other new year goodies, have a bite-sized portion.
The complex (starchy) carbohydrates contained in fruits, seeds and nuts (e.g. sunflower seeds almonds, pumpkin seeds) will fill you up and make you less inclined to binge on the festive goodies.
Exercise helps muscle cells to absorb blood glucose. So pick up your walking pace during the festive period. Walk 30 to 60 minutes every day.
Ref: I23
Check out other CNY-related health articles:
6 Auspicious and Healthy Foods for CNY
Diabetes and CNY: What You Need to Know
Healthy Recipe: Rainbow Yu Sheng
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