The holidays are just around the corner, and Christmas stollen, chocolates, Dutch doughnuts (oliebollen), glasses of wine, and gourmet meals are abundant during cozy dinners, drinks, and outings. But how do you approach this mindfully? What should you eat at Christmas for stable blood sugar, so you can enjoy all the festivities without after-dinner dips? We discuss this in this blog!
Your blood sugar level
When we eat a lot and often during the day, our blood sugar level continuously spikes and drops. This results in energy dips, fatigue, and even more cravings for that piece of Christmas stollen or an extra Christmas chocolate. But how do you ensure that your blood sugar level remains somewhat stable during these days, without having to skip all the treats? Here are some tips:
Tip 1: Start your day with movement
Go outside and take a walk before your first meal. This ensures that you are moving on an empty stomach. Exercising on an empty stomach improves glucose uptake, resulting in a more stable blood sugar level.
Tip 2: Pay attention to your protein intake
Proteins provide a feeling of fullness and keep your blood sugar level stable. Therefore, don't just start your day with a piece of Christmas stollen, but also include a protein source. Think of a delicious omelet with vegetables, boiled eggs, (plant-based) quark, or make a smoothie with protein powder.
Tip 3: Drink enough water throughout the day
During the holidays, people often opt for a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverages, but make sure you drink at least 2 liters of water throughout the day. If your body lacks fluids, your kidneys cannot function properly, which can lead to a higher blood sugar level. Therefore, drink about two liters of water or herbal tea daily, especially if you also consume alcohol.
Tip 4: Choose fiber-rich foods
This includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The fibers in these foods are important for our gut bacteria and help keep your blood sugar level stable. This is because they slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, causing sugars from carbohydrates to be released more gradually into your blood.
This keeps you feeling full for longer. For example, are you having a gourmet meal? Then also provide various vegetables as a side dish.
Tip 5: Limit stress
When stressed, your body produces hormones that contribute to a higher blood sugar level. This may sound a bit strange during the holidays, but these days can also be stressful and cause overstimulation.
Therefore, also start your Christmas days with a short meditation, set an intention for the day, and before you start each meal, breathe in and out deeply 3 times. Our digestive system can only digest in peace.
Tip 6: Support your body with supplements
Blood Sugar support
With chromium for maintaining a stable blood sugar level and vitamin B1, which contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Order here.
Never see supplements as a replacement or solution to a problem, but as an addition to the above tips and for support!
Want to know which supplements suit you? Request personalized advice here!
Above all, enjoy these days and apply these tips where possible. We wish you very happy holidays and a warm, healthy, and loving 2024!
