As the Lenten period inches closer, you need a plan to manage your senior loved one's diabetes during this busy time. Fasting and abstaining from certain foods can be difficult while keeping diabetes in check. Here are some valuable tips for managing diabetes during Lent as well as some delicious new dishes to try.
Reasons to Manage Your Senior Loved One's Blood Sugar Levels
Managing your senior loved one's blood sugar levels is essential, especially during Lenten periods. Eating habits during Lent can be different than the usual daily routine. During this religious holiday, you want to ensure that your senior relative maintains a healthy, balanced diet. Watch out for sudden changes in blood sugar levels. This can be serious and requires immediate action.
Tips for Managing Diabetes During Lent
Below are some tips to help your senior loved one manage their diabetes during the Lenten period:
Track Food Intake
Keeping a log of what your senior loved one eats can be helpful. You can monitor their sugar and carbohydrate intake levels through the log you keep.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Check with your senior loved one's doctor to see how often their blood sugar levels should be monitored. During the Lenten period, make a conscious effort to test their levels as often as needed.
Talk to Their Doctor Before the Holiday for Tips
Before the holiday, talk to your senior parent's doctor for tips on how to manage diabetes during this period. They might be able to provide you with options to make caring for your senior relative a little easier during this busy time.
Ensure Your Senior Relative Gets Enough Sleep
Sleep is crucial in regulating blood sugar levels and maintaining overall health. Keep an eye on their sleep habits over the holidays to ensure they're getting enough rest.
Continue to Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is crucial for any diabetes management plan and even more so when managing diabetes during Lent. Make sure your senior relative is getting regular exercise during the Lenten period. Any new exercise classes or routines should be approved by your senior loved one's doctor ahead of time.
Minimize Sugary Foods and Beverages
The holiday season brings a host of snacks and edible goodies to enjoy. However, sugary beverages and snacks can be detrimental to blood sugar levels. Minimize your senior loved one's intake and replace them with more nutritious options.
Some Dishes to Try During the Lenten Season
Here are some healthy, low-sugar and carbohydrate dishes to try:
Cauliflower Fried Rice
A healthier twist on traditional fried rice can provide your senior loved one with a varied menu. This dish is full of flavor without the extra fat and calories.
Caponata Flatbread
Combining the flavors of eggplant, capers, and olives, this flatbread is a great choice for quick meals. Adding a little cheese can make it feel more like a pizza party.
Butternut Squash Soup
A comforting soup is perfect for a Lenten period dinner. This butternut squash soup is rich and ticks all of the nutrition boxes.
Senior Helpers Moanalua-Honolulu Can Meal Plan and Prep Throughout the Lenten Period
The team at Senior Helpers Moanalua-Honolulu is here to help seniors in managing diabetes during Lent. We hope these tips and recipes will help make this holiday a safe and healthy one in Honolulu and Fort Shafter. Contact us today to learn more about our services.