LifeMasters Provides Healthy Eating Tips to Help Individuals Manage Chronic Conditions During the Holidays

15/12/06 The holiday grazing season sparks weight gain worries for the average American, but for individuals with chronic conditions, the worries and health risks can be more serious. Holiday foods high in fat, sugar, calories and sodium can contribute to symptoms that challenge their management of chronic conditions.

"The temptation of large dinners and baked goods may cause overindulging, and the cold weather discourages people from exercising," said C. Rene Hughes, RN, MS, CV/ANP, Clinical Product Manager, at LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc., a leading provider of disease management programs and services in the nation. "Holiday eating can present challenges for people with chronic conditions. People with diabetes can skyrocket their blood glucose levels by eating too many carbohydrates and for those dealing with congestive heart failure or hypertension, consuming foods high in sodium can lead to fluid retention and aggravation of high blood pressure."

Hughes offers the following tips to reference during the holidays to help improve management of chronic conditions and enjoy a happy and healthy holiday:

LifeMasters Tips for a Healthy Holiday:

1. Think ahead: Don't skip meals. Keep consistent meal times when possible as eating at your regular meal times can help prevent overeating.

2. Manage size: Practice portion control by limiting meals to one serving and eating slowly so the brain registers the feeling of being full.

3. Avoid ingredients that can affect your condition: Read the nutritional facts on package labels and ask about the ingredients of served food to avoid high amounts of fat, sugars, carbohydrates and sodium.

4. Know your body: For people with diabetes, increase glucose monitoring during the holiday season. It may be helpful to check your blood glucose levels before holiday events, meals and parties. Fatigue during the holiday season is common. Prevent fatigue by getting a good night's sleep. An occasional nap during the day may be helpful too.

5. Exercise frequently: Walk or do low-intensity workouts to burn up excess calories and increase energy levels. For people with diabetes, exercise helps control blood glucose levels. Attend light workout classes like Tai Chi or schedule "walk breaks" during the work day. If it's cold outside, walking at your local mall or taking the stairs instead of the elevator are good alternatives for activity. Regular exercise can also help reduce the stress that the holiday season brings.

6. Limit your alcohol: Alcohol is high in calories. The amount of calories varies with the type and amount of an alcoholic beverage. Keep to sensible drinking. Don't drink on an empty stomach. Enjoy your drink with your meal.