Pies, cakes, decorated cookies, gingerbread houses –no holiday table seems complete without a good selection of sugary food. In the past, such treats were really that – a special treat that you didn’t get to eat the rest of the year. Unfortunately, these holiday favorites have crept into the daily diets of many Americans. Food choices affect our health, and diseases such as diabetes are on the rise.

If you are a person with diabetes, you know how important it is to keep your blood sugar levels stable. You may feel left out watching your friends and family gorging themselves on goodies while you nibble on carrot sticks. If you plan ahead, though, you can take steps to eat sensibly and to participate fully in these seasonal delights.

If someone has prepared a tempting dessert, leave room in your carb count for a small portion of it by eliminating another starch like potatoes or a dinner roll. Watch portion size by splitting a dessert in half or making mini versions of them like small pecan tarts. Prepare your own diabetic holiday treats and bring them to share – if they are better for you they will benefit others too! Here are some examples:

• Make brownies or sugar cookies with less sugar and use whole wheat flour
• Skewer some seasonal fruits and serve with low-fat Greek yogurt for dipping
• Bake or buy low-carb and low-fat biscotti to dip in your favorite coffee
• Dip apple slices in lemon juice and bring a low-fat cream cheese/brown sugar/vanilla dip
• Put a few chocolate curls on your cake instead of frosting
• Make a crust-less pumpkin pie
• Choose 70% dark chocolates, which have fewer carbs

At Parker Foot & Ankle we’re behind you 100% when it comes to making wise food choices. We are also a wise choice for diabetic foot care. Call us at (281) 497-2850, or click the appointment request button online. Our goal is to help you enjoy life without foot pain and complications from diabetes.