Navigating Holiday Health: Tips from Nutrition Expert Pamela Nisevich Bede
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking forward to festive gatherings, indulgent meals, and moments with family. However, it’s also a time when maintaining our health can be particularly challenging. Nutrition expert Pamela Nisevich Bede, a registered dietitian and author, recently shared valuable strategies to help individuals navigate this season while keeping their health in check.
The Holiday Health Challenge
“The holidays are one of our favorite times of year,” Bede remarked, acknowledging the joy that comes with the season. Yet, she also pointed out a common truth: “Our healthy habits start to shift a little bit during this time.” With the abundance of holiday treats and festivities, it’s easy to overlook our nutritional goals.
Bede stressed that understanding how our bodies react to what we eat is crucial, particularly concerning glucose levels, which can influence mood, energy, and overall well-being. By being aware of these fluctuations, we can make informed choices and mitigate negative impacts.
Understanding Glucose Fluctuations
Glucose serves as a primary fuel source for our bodies, and its levels play a pivotal role in our day-to-day energy. When glucose spikes or dips unexpectedly, it can lead to feelings of fatigue and irritability—a scenario many might recognize during the holiday hustle.
During a program on November 14, Bede highlighted the significance of monitoring these glucose changes. She introduced Abbott’s Lingo, an innovative over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor designed to help individuals keep track of their glucose levels in real-time.
Worn on the arm, Lingo provides users with minute-by-minute insights for an extended period of 14 days, enabling them to understand how various foods and activities affect their glucose levels.
Practical Dietary Adjustments
To stabilize glucose levels and maintain consistent energy throughout the holidays, Bede suggested implementing simple dietary modifications. One effective strategy is to start meals with vegetables, followed by protein and fat, rushing into carbohydrates and sweets only afterwards. This order of consumption helps slow digestion and can prevent those dreaded glucose spikes that can lead to energy crashes.
By prioritizing nutrient-dense options, individuals can not only enjoy the holiday meals but also remain mindful of how those foods impact their body’s functions. Incorporating more whole foods—like leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats—can make a significant difference.
The Importance of Movement
In addition to mindful eating, Bede emphasized the value of incorporating more physical activity into our holiday routines. Moving after meals is particularly beneficial; it helps utilize glucose as fuel and can effectively stave off that post-meal energy slump that many experience during the season of rich foods.
This doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym for hours. Simple activities like taking a walk around the neighborhood after dinner can be immensely beneficial, allowing for social interaction while also promoting health.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Pamela Nisevich Bede encourages everyone to embrace small, manageable changes. Whether adjusting your meal composition or becoming more active, these incremental shifts can ease the challenges posed by the holiday season.
By combining dietary wisdom with insights from tools like Abbott’s Lingo, you can enhance your ability to monitor and manage glucose levels effectively. This can ultimately lead to a more balanced and healthy holiday experience.
For anyone interested in learning more about Abbott’s Lingo and how to take control of their health this season, detailed information is available at www.HelloLingo.com.
By approaching the holidays with a sensible strategy, you can ensure that the joy of the season doesn’t come at the expense of your health.