During the festive season, it’s nearly impossible to avoid sweets, as they become a way to connect with family and friends. Food brings people together, and after fasting, everyone loves to enjoy meals together. Even though we may stay disciplined for the rest of the year, people with diabetes often ask, if they can indulge a little during festivals like Diwali.

The truth is, no amount of indulgence is good for diabetes levels. However, with a few tips and some willpower, you can enjoy the festival while keeping your diabetes in check.

• Don’t overdo it: It’s tempting when you receive a box of sweets. but if you diabetes isn’t well controlled, even a small amount can spike your diabetes. practice portion control-just one small bite can satisfy your craving.

• Follow the healthy plate rule: When eating lunch or dinner, think of your sweets as part of your carbohydrate intake. Half of your plate should be filled with non-starchy vegetables, one-quarter with protein like fish or chicken and other quarter with carbohydrates. Adjust your rice or wheat intake based on how much sweet you plan to eat.

• Cook Diabetes: Friendly meals, when heating prepare meals using whole grains, legumes, protein and low sugar desserts.

• Avoid unhealthy snacks: In-between snacking can cause diabetes overload. Avoid cookies, cakes, fried foods and chips. Instead, snack on fruits, raw nuts like almonds and cashews, or plain yogurt.

• Gift thoughtfully: When giving gifts, assume someone in the household has diabetes. choose nuts instead of sweets that are high in sugar and calories.

• Drink wisely: Instead of sugar frits juices, opt for unsweetened beverages like tomato juice, lemon water or infused water.

• Limit alcohol: Alcohol has sugar and calories. it’s best to avoid it or drink very little.

• Increase your physical activity: To burn off extra calories from sweets. Increase your exercise. for example, a small piece of cake can have 150 to 200 calories. SO aim for 20 minutes of vigorous activity or extend your walks to an hour or more.