The temptation to have rich food will always be there during the festive season. However, there is always a safe way for people with diabetes to enjoy the spirit of the festival.

Here are some diabetes friendly tips:

1. Prepare for the day: Eat low-carb meals. If you are planning to enjoy savories and sweets, then you can reduce carbohydrates in your diet with some simple tips. So instead of potatoes and peas eat non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and peppers, substitute rice with quinoa, skip pulpy fruits like bananas and eat low glycemic (slower sugar spike) foods overall.
2. Blood sugar test: Be sure to check your blood sugar both before and 90 minutes¹ after you enjoy festive foods and share your blood sugar reading with your doctor to keep a check on your blood sugar level.
3. Keep yourself hydrated: Drink plenty of water, avoid carbonated drinks.
4. Eat in moderation: Enjoy your sweets and savories but in small quantities and make correct food choices suggested by your doctor.
5. Have plenty of salads during festive meals: This is to reduce the cravings for fatty fried food and it is easy to avoid these harmful fat rich foods with ease. Add fresh fruits and vegetables to make newer types of salads and add to the nutritive value of the meal.
6. Increase your physical activity. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk to meet your friends and relatives during Chinese New Year celebrations. These easy, everyday activities help burn a lot of calories.
7. Do not be tempted to stay up. Although the festive season calls for late night gatherings and fun-filled times with friends and relatives, avoid staying up till very late as it could interfere with your metabolism. Make sure you get good 6-7 hours of sleep so you can continue to participate in the festivities without compromising your health.
8. Do not skip your medication. It becomes all the more important to stick to your medicines while you enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.