With entertaining season comes exciting social events, decadent meals, and long nights spent catching up with family and friends. But this fun and festive period can also take a toll on our health and wellbeing.
For adults living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, it can be an extra challenge when it comes to maintaining normal blood glucose levels (BGL). They key to enjoying the summer holidays while staying on track is to commit to a balanced diet, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep and low-stress levels. Here we share five health hacks to nourish your body, manage your weight and feel your best during the silly season.
EXERCISE EVERYDAY
Whether you’re a hardcore marathon runner or prefer a relaxing yoga session, it’s essential to move your body every single day. Exercise is the fast-track to improving your mental health, boosting energy and kicking your fitness goals.
For adults living with diabetes, sustaining a healthy body weight is particularly important to slow the progression and improve control of your diabetes. If you’re travelling over the holidays, the Mindbody app is a great place to discover new ways of moving your body from wherever you are. The app allows you to peruse a range of classes – from boxing to barre – within your current location or via online sessions.
SUPPLEMENT SHAKES
Meal replacement shakes are a great way to stick to your health goals over the holidays when you have less control over your diet. If you’re heading to an indulgent dinner party, swap breakfast or lunch for a delicious supplement shake to ensure you’re satisfying your nutrition needs.
The IsoWhey Diabetic Formula shake, for example, is crafted with vitamins and minerals to support sugar metabolism and help diabetics fill nutritional gaps. With a certified Glycemic Index (GI) rating of 18 – the lowest on the market – they’re a great meal replacement at less than three grams of sugar per drink. Plus, in tasty chocolate and vanilla flavours, they keep you feeling full by packing 17 grams of grass-fed whey protein into every serve.
Talk to your dietitian or health professional before use. Available at Chemist Warehouse and www.isowhey.com.au.
BALANCED DIET
It can be tempting to cheat on your health plan when you’re surrounded by Christmas desserts and celebratory champagne! And with ample homemade delicacies and delicious drinks to taste, summer festivities can also be a trap for overeating.
To maintain a balanced diet throughout the silly season, bake, serve and enjoy GI-lowering meals by avoiding heavily processed food and reaching for dishes rich in fibre, fruit and vegetables. Plus, for diabetics low-GI food means a lower rise in your BGL after eating.
SWEET DREAMS
Did you know that getting enough shut eye each night affects your blood sugar levels? Your BGL surges while you’re sleeping, and a lack of sleep reduces your body’s ability to absorb the extra glucose from the blood to keep your levels stable. That’s why it’s vital to spend seven to eight hours snoozing every night – even after late-night celebrations.
A long slumber promises a platter of health benefits, such as improving your mood, boosting energy and enhancing brain function. For sweet dreams, we recommend switching off your screens before turning in, avoiding caffeine at least six hours before sleeping and creating a bedtime routine to signal lights out.
Brought to you by IsoWhey.
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