For most people, indulging in sweet and fatty trademark holiday food means picking up a few extra pounds over the holidays. It’s affectionately called holiday weight, and though waistlines may suffer, serious health risks typically don’t threaten to derail what is otherwise a joyous time of year. But for those recently diagnosed with a diet-altering health issue such as diabetes, cancer or kidney disease, the holidays require extra attention to detail that didn’t need to be there in the past.
No matter the ailment, dietitians seem to agree that planning ahead is one of the most important things one can do when navigating tempting holiday foods. Afraid there won’t be a healthy option at the holiday party? Take the vegetable tray. Worried about being too hungry to make good choices later? Maintain a balanced diet throughout the day.
This is especially poignant for African-Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.7 percent of Black Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, compared to 8 percent of Asian-Americans and 7.4 percent of white Americans. African-Americans also account for 35 percent of kidney failure cases, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
People with diabetes still produce their own insulin, but their cells are less receptive to it. However, exercise and weight loss can improve cells’ intake of insulin, said Melissa Greives, a registered dietitian at Indiana University Health.
“You can never get un-diagnosed with diabetes,” Greives said, “but you can better manage the way it affects you.”
Greives also warned against “saving up” for unhealthy foods later in the day, since it’s important to take in a consistent amount of carbohydrates throughout the day and it is generally good to try to maintain weight during the holidays.
“When you wait to the last minute, if you’re too hungry, you always make poor choices,” Greives said.
The good news for diabetics is most healthy tips for the holidays are good for a healthy diet in general, according to Michaeleen Burroughs, a clinical dietitian at the Mayo Clinic. While no food is strictly off limits, it’s a good idea to skip more bland treats like crackers and cheese if there’s a sugary pie that’s especially enticing. Plus, people with diabetes can take the chance to set a good example.
“Why not lead the way and decide you’re just going to eat healthy anyway,” Burroughs said. “… This is healthy for everyone all the time. You don’t have to apologize for being the one who brings the veggie tray.”
Kidney disease presents slightly different challenges. It’s important to avoid food with high levels of potassium and sodium, according to Greives. Ailing kidneys can no longer remove excess potassium, which then builds up in the body. Excess sodium — which helps maintain a proper fluid balance in the body — also builds up, causing high blood pressure.
Cancer is another disease that can affect holiday eating habits because of the toll treatment puts on the body. One of the most important things for cancer patients undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy is to maintain a well-rounded diet, according to Anna Busenburg, a dietitian at St. Vincent Hospital. This can be difficult, though, since a side effect of treatment is loss of appetite.
“Maybe the special casserole dish you want to have over the holidays smells so bad that you don’t want to go anywhere near it,” Busenburg said.
Busenburg added that people struggling to maintain weight can indulge in fatty foods that are otherwise unhealthy. Protein is also important for maintaining weight, though Busenburg warned against eating too much processed and red meat.
Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
