Living with any chronic disease can be a difficult and isolating experience. However, there is no reason to sacrifice your quality of life! It’s completely possible to balance a full social life while also doing what is best for yourself while living with diabetes.
As a diabetic, it is important to monitor your sugar intake and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Nonetheless, a healthy social life is also part of a healthy lifestyle. Here are some things to keep in mind as you build your calendar:
Going out with friends? Just be mindful!
Food and drinks are the center of most social life, especially during summer. From patios to bars and barbecues, good food and liquor are typically part of the equation. You don’t have to choose between a good night out and maintaining good health - you can have both!
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While monitoring your sugar intake, be mindful about what and how much you’re putting in your body. Want those ribs? Go for it! But also make sure to include some vegetables on your plate.
Grilled veggies are a great way to get your vegetables in during the summer. Just vegetables like peppers, onions, or broccoli on the grill right next to your ribs or burgers.
Drinks seem innocent enough but sneak in excess sugar and calories into your diet. Instead of refilling your cup with sodas, maybe opt for a diet soda or start with a regular one and switch one water for the rest of the night.
This will satisfy a craving and make you feel less restricted. As far as alcoholic drinks, go for the fancy cocktail but with some modifications! Instead of club soda, which contains high fructose corn syrup, opt for sparking waters or 100% real fruit juice.
Try balancing out the night with spiked seltzers, which are typically low on added sugars and any other additives. All of these tips ensure a fun night, while staying conscious of maintaining a healthier version of yourself.
Make living a healthy lifestyle part of your social life
We often think about how we can fit health & wellness into our life, but it’s better to think about how you can just make it your lifestyle. Take your friends and family along on the journey! Summertime is a great time to get outside and get active without it being a hassle.
Take advantage of the nice weather and invite your friends to tag along on walks. It’s a nice way to keep moving, but also allows time for catching up. You can also create a whole day around hiking!
Search on the internet for the best hiking trails or parks around you and take a group. This is a fun all-day activity for all ages that keeps everyone moving and can be taken at any pace that is comfortable for the group. If you want to make it a bit more lively, try taking a dance class.
Zumba, ballroom dancing, or trap yoga are all fun options that can be done with friends. Try something new and you might just want to incorporate it into your weekly workout routine.
If you’re stuck behind a desk most of the day, get creative on how you can get moving. Suggest doing walking meetings with your co-workers, if possible. It can be as simple as walking around the office floor or the parking lot at work.
Walking can provide more productivity and clarity in conversations. It also provides a nice change in venue and a break in the day. If you want some extra motivation, consider having a competition amongst co-workers on who can get the most steps in their day!
Do what works for you
Your social life does not need to be put on hold because of a diabetes diagnosis.
This just means that it’s important to evaluate and re-adjust. Consider what parts of your social life can be changed to encourage a healthier lifestyle. Tell your family and friends about why these changes are important to you and how they can support you.
However, most of all, be kind to yourself. Realize that you will not always get it right and might not always make the most ‘healthy’ choices. You only get one life so if you want the donut, eat it! Just make sure to maintain balance in your choices. Take charge of your social life and your health!
