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Follow this advice to eat diabetes-friendly, even when you're celebrating

With the commotion of a party comes the usual smorgasbord of snacks loaded with salt, calories and sugar, which can be a minefield for people with diabetes. Here are tips to help you enjoy a festive event without sacrificing your blood sugar levels. Happy eating! 

1. Don't bring along an empty stomach.

Eat a small, balanced meal or snack before you leave home. If you arrive at a party hungry, you'll be more likely to overindulge. 

2. Have a hunch before you munch. 

Study all of the selections and think about what you are going to have before you put anything on your plate. If you taste something that you don't enjoy, leave it on your plate — don't finish it! 

3. Focus on the fundamentals.

• Choose raw vegetables first. Broccoli, baby carrots, cauliflower, and tomatoes are good choices that are usually on the buffet table.
• Take only a small spoonful of dip or skip it entirely.
• Choose lean proteins that are not breaded or fried.
• Select chicken, veggie or turkey burgers, or baked beans.
• Take only a small portion of cheese — 1 ounce is approximately five to seven small cubes. Eat chips and crackers in moderation. Don't eat them straight from the bag; put some on a small plate and don't load them down with creamy, mayo-based dips.
• If you want to eat a high-fat or high-calorie item — like wings, pizza or nachos — take a small portion and put it on your plate last, after you've filled up the space with healthier options.
• Remember to regularly check your blood sugar the day of the event.
• Try not to hang out near the food table to avoid grazing.

4. Be hydration-happy.

Stick to calorie-free drinks so that you can eat your calories instead of drinking them. Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol (2 drinks for men, 1 drink for women). 

5. Bust a move!

If you ate more carbs or more food in general than you planned for during the party, shake it off —literally! If the festivities allow for it, groove to some tunes. Or participate in some other type of physical activity. Regular exercise is key to managing your diabetes. The next day, make a plan to get back on track and stick to it.

Published on March 23, 2015.

Courtesy of the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) and Diabetic Living magazine.