Valentine’s Day! What is your first thought when it comes to this holiday? Romance, love, flowers, and of course chocolates! Candy and sweets galore! These are a no-no for diabetics. Valentine’s day can be a challenge for diabetics, especially those who have a sweet tooth. With stores and public places decorated with displays of sweets and chocolate, it can make diabetics feel excluded, left out, and may even lead to binge-eating sweet treats! If you are a diabetic or if your love one is a diabetic, here are a few simple things to remember:

#1. Purpose! – Valentine’s day is about spending the day with your loved ones, and there are many ways to do that without having to revolve around chocolate or sweet treats. So, instead of thinking of Valentine’s day as a day you will miss out on, focus on enjoying it with the people you love and involving yourself in their lives. Have dinner together, hang out together, and do activities that you have always been talking about doing but never got around to it! Cooking together can help couples bond making unforgettable meals and memories.

#2. Crave! – If you absolutely crave and cannot do without something sweet, check the nutrition information for the treat you are eyeing. Knowing the content of it may help you adjust and tweak around to get a small portion of it into your food plan just for the day without disrupting your blood glucose levels. It may be so astounding that it may put you off altogether! Remember to weigh the benefits and drawbacks and always keep your blood glucose in control. If in doubt, consult your dietician.

#3. Substitute! – Find a recipe that is healthy without consuming too many carbohydrates yet fulfills your craving. Do some research on the internet to look for dietitian-approved recipes that are healthy, low fat, and low carbohydrates. You can also work with your dietitian to plan for a healthy dessert substitution just for the day! There are also some ideas of making your own boxed chocolate assortment by dipping fruit into dark chocolate.

#4. Alternatives! – Valentine’s day doesn’t have to revolve around food. You can plan to go to the movies, going on a hiking trip, spending the day at the beach, or going on a road trip. By avoiding situations where you feel left out or pressured to eat, develop your own tradition which helps you keep your blood glucose in check as well. Instead of chocolates and candy, why not give your love one a bouquet of flowers instead? Or, my personal favorite, treating each other to a day at the spa with massages and tons of pampering!

If you have a diabetic child, be aware that it can be hard for him or her in school. Discuss with their teachers on how to handle the situation. Talk to your child on how to handle the situation and assure that a teacher or nurse will be present if help is needed. The key is moderation, celebrate and have fun safely without going overboard on meals and unhealthy foods.