4 tricks to socializing the healthy way

Unfortunately, when you have diabetes get-togethers can often have their own stressors, thanks to the abundance of bad-for-you foods. For strategies on protecting your blood sugar levels without sacrificing your social circle, read on.

Before you start to fill your plate, think about how you want to use your calorie "budget." It's all too easy to load up on a volcano-sized pile of mashed potatoes, macaroni salad, lasagna, chips and brownies if you just hop in line and start piling things on your plate.

• If you take a minute to examine all the offerings first, you'll make better choices.
• Pass up the fried chicken and look for healthier items with which to fill your plate.

That will ensure there's at least one thing you can scoop up without straying from your eating plan.

• Some suggestions: fruit salad, tomato and cucumber salad, juicy watermelon or a platter of fresh veggies and low-fat ranch dressing or hummus.
• For the grill, offer chicken kabobs with onions, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.

Stay away from plentiful temptations, such as chips and sweets, by offering to be the official event photographer or starting a game of horseshoes or volleyball.

If you have diabetes, if you can limit your alcohol consumption to one drink or under, you're probably okay.

• Have it with food, or after eating.
• Mixed cocktails, since they tend to be loaded with sugar, calories and carbs, are no-nos, and don't drink on an empty stomach because it can spike blood sugar.

This is a delicious diabetes friendly contender for your next potluck.

You might just have to plan on preparing a double batch of this simple, fibre-rich, one-pot dish after it all disappears at your next neighbourhood get-together.

It can be prepared a day in advance.

• In a large bowl, mix together 1 diced red pepper, 2 sliced scallions, 1 can (450 grams/ 16 ounces) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 package (275 grams/9.5 ounces) thawed frozen corn kernels, and 175 grams (six ounces) diced cooked white meat chicken.
• Whisk together 45 millilitres (2 1⁄2 tablespoons) olive oil, 23 millilitres (1 1⁄2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice, 15 millilitres (1 tablespoon) red wine vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 grams (1⁄2 teaspoon) chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the dressing to the bean and corn mixture and toss well.