Holiday Gatherings: Navigating the Healthy and the Not-So-Healthy Treats
The holidays are a wonderful time for getting together with all the special people in a senior's life. For some, this includes family members; for others, it also means getting together with friends or even long-lost coworkers. Of course, most holiday festivities seem to center around having a meal together. If not a meal, then it will at least be a gathering that includes some variations of snacks, appetizers, and special desserts.
Given the fact that much of the food offered during the holiday season focuses on taste rather than nutritional value, it's probably unrealistic to think that a senior can simply indulge in every food that looks and smells good without experiencing some type of unwanted repercussion (e.g., weight gain, indigestion, blood sugar issues).
On the other hand, the holidays are a special time, and it seems reasonable to allow oneself a little flexibility a few days out of the year. To this end, we'd like to offer some tips on how to successfully navigate holiday gatherings so that a senior can avoid the pitfalls associated with overindulgence.
Stay Within Limits
Seniors who manage their daily blood sugar levels should commit to keeping their numbers within a healthy range throughout the holiday season. It doesn't necessarily mean a diabetic can't have anything with higher than normal amounts of sugar or carbohydrates, but staying within satisfactory (blood sugar) ranges may require some strategic planning.
For example, a diabetic may attend a holiday gathering where some of their favorite desserts are being offered, yet their blood sugar readings on that day are less than ideal. If this is the case, a diabetic should listen to their body and avoid eating those foods they know will only exacerbate their blood sugar issues. It's always an option to ask the host/hostess to make up a "doggie bag" of your favorite treats to enjoy at a later date when your blood sugar levels have improved.
Plan Ahead
Don't be afraid to call ahead to find out what treats will be on the menu for a holiday gathering. Most people understand that seniors often need to pay attention to what they eat. If the menu sounds less than ideal, make sure the other meals you eat on the day of the gathering are healthy and/or modest in size. Staying disciplined for at least part of the day provides a little wiggle room, so a person can incorporate a special holiday meal within their daily diet.
BYOF—Bring Your Own Food
Sometimes, a senior is managing a health issue, and they know it will be difficult to find the food they prefer at a holiday gathering. If this is the case, it's always an option to offer to bring some of your own favorite healthy food dishes.
Today, there are so many delicious recipes that are so low in sugar and saturated fat, it's difficult to tell if a dish is a "diet food" or an indulgent dessert. If your healthy food dishes are tasty and satisfying, they may end up being the hit of the party.
Senior Helpers of Kansas City North
Seniors Helpers provides the support and services seniors need to remain vibrant and active, without giving up their homes. In addition to meal planning and preparation, we also offer services such as transportation to and from grocery stores, doctor appointments, shopping centers, and more.
Some of the other services we provide include:
- Home safety evaluation
- Pet care assistance
- Companionship services
- Medication reminders
In addition to serving Kansas City North, we serve the Liberty and Gladstone areas, as well as other parts of Kansas City. Contact us today to learn more about our premier services for the elderly.