Diabetes Diet: 3 Foods You Can Include In Your Diet This Holiday Season To Manage Blood Sugar Levels

The festive season of Christmas is upon us and we just can't stop thinking about all the things we will feast on during holidays. From plum cakes to muffins, to turkey and to all things decadent because it is the season to eat and make merry. But what about the ones with health conditions like diabetes? Diabetes is one of the biggest challenges in the world of health and nutrition, distinguished by elevated blood sugar levels. The bounty of Christmas treats during this time can easily make people forget about controlling their blood sugar levels. Yet it can be managed effectively by adopting a healthy and balanced diet, even during the holiday season when one can easily be swayed with all the sweet treats.

Here are 3 foods you can include in your diet this holiday season to keep your blood sugar levels in control and still make merry during the Christmas season.

(Also Read: Diabetes Diet: 3 Ways Brussel Sprouts Can Help You Enjoy Your Christmas Spread)

1. Sweet Potatoes/Shakarkandi

Yes, potato's pink cousin, sweet potato or shakarkandi may actually do wonders for diabetes management. A diabetic is always advised to steer clear of starchy foods but in reality starchy foods can also be a part of diabetic meals, provided one controls the portion sizes. Sweet potato has a good amount of fibre and its complex carbs add to delayed sugar release. And since sweet potatoes are dense with nutrients, you aren't consuming just empty calories. So don't hesitate to grab a snack or two of sweet potato during the holiday season. You can simply toss it up with some spices and lemon for a flavouful plate of chaat.

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2. Carrots

Besides being high on fibre that will keep you full for long, the winter special veggie is low on carbs and calories that will help regulating the blood sugar levels. Just wash, peel and cut the carrots to enjoy it with a flavourful hummus. One can also try making a delicious carrot soup for the winter season topped with black pepper. You can simply grate the carrot, top it with spices and enjoy the best of it.

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3. Cinnamon

A true blue winter spice, cinnamon (dalchini) is known to stimulate cells for glucose consumption. Cinnamon promotes the release of insulin from pancreas and boosts insulin sensitivity, which ultimately helps in the processing of glucose in the body. It also improves the digestive system of the body. A healthy digestive tract will process, digest and flush out excess sugar to keep its levels in the blood under control. You can include cinnamon to make a soothing cup of cinnamon tea, cinnamon cookies where you can simply replace sugar with cinnamon for a hint of natural sugar.

Including these foods in your diet this holiday season might help maintaining the sugar levels in blood but it is recommended to exercise moderation. Consult a dietician before going ahead.

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)