How to enjoy the holidays without overdoing it

Keeping healthy during the holidays is a challenge for everyone. American traditions include food—lots of food. Food loaded with fats, sugar and calories. For most people gaining weight during the holidays is another holiday tradition.

As the days get shorter and darker, it is so easy to curl up in a cozy throw, sip hot chocolate, eat your aunt’s cookies and watch TV. Who wants to go for a brisk walk in the dark?

This time of year poses a special challenge for people with diabetes. They are told to limit the amount of carbohydrates they eat. Easier said than done. Most of our holiday foods are loaded with carbs. Keeping the pounds off becomes even harder when you are surrounded by food.

The November meeting of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group will try to help people enjoy the holidays and still stay healthy. During this meeting people will share tips on how to cope with holiday food. Then they will present some of their favorite recipes. Members will discuss how to make those recipes healthier. The discussion will be led by Dan Finkenthal, RN, a member of the Diabetes Partnership of Greater Cleveland. He plans to bring some excellent recipes to share with the group. The meeting will be held at the Euclid Public Library at 7 p.m. Nov. 21. This meeting is free and open to anyone who is interested in attending.

During the meeting members will also sign up for their annual Christmas Potluck Dinner and list the healthy food they plan to bring to share with all members.