DALLAS — The week before Christmas, many people are prepping for something holiday related like a house full of guests. That'll most likely include guests with a chronic illness to keep in mind.
According to a 2018 CDC study, 51% of U.S. adults have at least one chronic condition (diabetes, cancer, arthritis, etc.).
Daybreak Anchor Kara Sewell spoke to Melissa Petges, a health coach with Teladoc Health about ways to make those guests feel comfortable.
"Modify popular holiday dishes to make them diabetic-friendly without compromising on taste, said Petges. "Also, offer some variety in holiday appetizers. For example, if you’re serving a dip, don’t just accompany it with crackers and chips. Incorporate diabetic-friendly options like jicama sticks, bell pepper slices, or celery sticks alongside."
Petges says it’s also important to cultivate a supportive environment for your guests. So, try to avoid centering the gathering around food and instead focus on being social with games, videos, and other holiday activities.
She also encourages hosts to be patient and flexible. Chronic conditions are a full-time job for people and a holiday is just like any other day for disease management.
But this is not a one-way street. Petges says if you have a chronic health condition be sure to remember your "Why."
Your health goals are not seasonal. Being mindful of that helps you make the best choices.
Remember to hydrate ahead of your gathering and don’t plant yourself next to the food; it leads to mindless eating.
"Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals so you can indulge at the party is not a sound tactic. Instead, stick with your normal eating routine, knowing you still may splurge a little at the event," said Petges. "Also, be sure to have a healthy snack before going to the party so you don’t show up hungry. Being hungry can lead to overeating. And this is your opportunity to bring a dish that what works for you, so there's a nutritious option you can enjoy."
Can’t do it alone? Virtual health coaches are changing the way people receive essential healthcare, leading to better health outcomes and lower costs.
You can visit TeladocHealth.com to find out more information and to get started