Ask The Expert
Coping

The holidays are definitely a challenge for the reason you mentioned, along with other issues you will read about in the related questions.

Your family and friends care about you but some of them may not realize how difficult this time of year can be when you are trying to maintain healthy habits and avoid extra temptation.

Since some of them have asked you for suggestions, this is the perfect opportunity to take them up on their offer. Here are some options you might consider:

• A gift certificate to a local spa for a massage, facial, or manicure
• Tickets to a movie or play
• A gift card to your favorite mall, or to your favorite online store
• A gift certificate to the American Diabetes Association online store where you can choose a variety of books or gifts. If you shop from the Gift of Hope Catalog, every penny of profit goes to diabetes research
• A donation in your name could be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

If you do receive food gifts you don’t want to keep, consider taking them to work, sharing them with neighbors, or taking them to facilities such as local homeless shelters or food banks.

Best wishes for enjoying the spirit of the holiday season and savoring time together with your family and friends.