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 Dieteticsopens in a new tab, Singapore General Hospital (SGH)opens in a new tab, a member of the SingHealthopens in a new tab 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 fibreopens in a new tab (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 levelsopens in a new tab 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.
Exerciseopens in a new tab 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 CNYopens in a new tab
Diabetes and CNY: What You Need to Knowopens in a new tab
Healthy Recipe: Rainbow Yu Shengopens in a new tab
Healthy Recipe: Assorted Fruits Yu Shengopens in a new tab
Tips for a Healthy Steamboatopens in a new tab
CNY Goodies Calorie Count: Know What You're Eatingopens in a new tab
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