Psychological Hacks to Manage Diabetes This Diwali Season

Diwali is a festival of lights, joy, family bonding and prosperity. It is considered to be the victory of light over darkness. During any festive season, while everyone’s merrymaking and pleasing their desire for sweet dishes and other specific food delicacies satisfying their taste buds, people with diabetes need to be extra cautious when it comes to their sweet intake. 

Amidst the joy and festivities, let us get hold of some psychological hacks for a safe and healthy Diwali this year.

Psychological Hacks to Manage Diabetes are:

Hack 1 – Mindful eating 

Mindful eating (i.e., paying attention to our food, on purpose, moment by moment, without judgment) is an approach to food that focuses on individuals’ sensual awareness of the food and their experience of the food. Eating your main meals quietly without distractions before the guests pour in is important. Plan your guests’ visits in such a way that you have your 15 min to complete your meals without distractions.

You’ll not only feel more satisfied and fuller after meals but also have lesser cravings for sweets. 

Hack 2: Affirmations about your purpose

It’s very natural to feel low or left behind when you have to step back from eating a sweet or food the way others are. That’s why it’s important to remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing.

Hack 3: Focus on emotions and not food

Diwali is a time to bond with your loved ones. You must be meeting most of them after a long time, thanks to the lockdown. So, focus on sharing your emotions and love. People are now craving for these and not for food.

If you’re not planning to meet or talk to people, you could try journaling, mandala activity, painting/colouring when you feel sad or heavy-hearted.

Hack 4: Make this a healthy Diwali for everyone

Most people have put on weight – living with diabetes or not. So, think of healthy treats this time, not just for you but also for your guests. They will be thankful for your gesture! Here are some healthy recipes you could try.

Hack 5: Use Progress reminders

Whether it’s your HbA1C or blood sugar reports, your weight readings or your before and after photos – keep them handy as reminders of your progress. Sweets are no reason to give up on your progress, isn’t it? And of course, you always come first. Don’t forget that!

Hack 6: Plan your dessert intake in advance

Desserts are a meal in themselves, so do not have them as part of another meal. You know what dessert you crave for. Make space for only a small portion of that and nothing else. Time it in such a way that you get some exercise immediately afterwards. If you do not know what you want to eat, try some healthy recipes 

People who use the Diabefly program can take the support of their coach to plan out their Diwali meals in advance. Want to know more about it? https://www.fitterfly.com/health/best-diabetes-diet

Hack 7: Reward yourself

If you’ve managed to have a healthy Diwali, gift yourself that pair of jeans/shoes/vacation or anything else that you’ve always wanted. After all, rewards reinforce healthy behaviour in the future as well.

Hack 8: Get some me-time & meditate

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with guests pouring in or meeting many people, especially after the lockdown situation. All this stress could lead to emotional overeating. So, do not overschedule and get some me-time to destress. If you could meditate for short periods of time, even better.

Hack 9: Don’t skip exercise

Lack of exercise, the stress of being overwhelmed by too many people can lead to a lack of feel-good hormones. Getting some exercise before your day starts can lead to a surge in these and keep you going through the day.

No matter which hacks works for you, you always need someone to help you through the process. And that’s where Diabefly comes into play. A scientific, evidence-based program that is designed to be holistically customised for you. Not only will you have the support of a trained psychologists and physiotherapist, but you’ll also have a trained nutritionist by your side to guide you through the journey of managing your blood sugar levels. 

Sounds interesting? Check us out at https://www.fitterfly.com/diabefly or call us at 022 48971077 Ext 1.