For many people, preparing for major holidays is a stressful experience. If you have diabetes, hosting and cooking for holidays can be even more anxiety-inducing.

Whether you are planning a low-key event or a major family get-together, here are a few ideas for planning for the holidays that will help reduce stress and keep your health in mind.

#1 Timing

When it comes to the holidays, we often eat a big meal in the middle of the day as part of our celebration. The result? It can throw off your blood glucose levels and make it difficult to maintain the diet you’ve maintained.

If a large, mid-day meal doesn’t fit into your routine, consider snacking before and after your meal.

#2 Create new traditions

Much of the holiday season revolves around eating and not much else. Although we are spending time with family and friends, we are often doing so surrounded by food. To make the holidays more diabetic-friendly, consider adding in some physical activities to your traditions.

You could start an annual football game, go for a family walk, or think of activities that get you out of the house and moving.

#3 Reinvent favorite foods

When you have diabetes, many of the dishes commonly served at holiday meals aren’t always diabetic-friendly. Thankfully there are many ways to substitute foods that are good for you while maintaining the holiday spirit.

For instance, you can use less sugar in many of the desserts made around the holidays, like pie. You can also choose low or no-fat options, substitute vegetables into casseroles, and choose meats that are better for your diabetes.

You can still enjoy your favorite holiday foods, but staying away from processed foods is still essential.

#4 Eat smaller portions

Even if you are still cooking a big meal for family and friends, you can emphasize the healthy parts of your holiday meal. This can include more vegetables and less starchy foods like sweet potato casseroles and mashed potatoes. By eating smaller portions, you can pick the parts of the meal you like the most without throwing your blood glucose out of whack.

Planning for holidays doesn’t have to be stressful, nor does it have to impact your overall health as a person with type 2 diabetes. With a few simple changes, your holidays can be celebrated with joy, laughter, and no stress.