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Beware of Beginning-of-the-Year Blood Work: How the Holidays May Impact Your A1C Numbers

healingharmony2021


As we kick off the new year, many people schedule blood work to check on their health, including their A1C levels. While this is a great way to stay proactive, it’s important to understand how the holiday season—filled with sugary treats and indulgent meals—can skew your results. Here's what you need to know and how to regain balance after those festive months.


What Are A1C Numbers?

A1C is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It’s often used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes. The test reflects the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in your red blood cells) coated with sugar (glycated hemoglobin).

  • A normal A1C is usually below 5.7%.

  • Prediabetes falls between 5.7% and 6.4%.

  • Diabetes is diagnosed at 6.5% or higher.


Since A1C is a long-term average, it provides a broader picture than a single fasting glucose test. However, this also means that your lifestyle over the past few months heavily influences your results.


Why the Holidays Can Negatively Impact A1C

The final months of the year are filled with “sugar holidays”—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. During this time, it’s common to:

  • Consume more sugary treats like candies, desserts, and holiday beverages.

  • Overeat carb-heavy meals, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pies.

  • Experience less physical activity due to colder weather and busy schedules.


All of this contributes to blood sugar spikes that get averaged into your A1C levels, potentially making your results look worse than they truly are. If you’re getting your blood work done in January or February, you may see higher-than-normal A1C numbers that don’t accurately reflect your overall health.


How to Help Balance Blood Sugar and Reduce Cravings

The good news is that you can take steps to improve your blood sugar levels and feel better after the holiday season:


  1. Focus on Balanced Meals

    • Combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats with every meal to slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream.

    • Examples: Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and avocado, or a hearty salad with nuts and olive oil.

  2. Limit Added Sugars

    • Cut back on processed snacks, desserts, and sugary beverages.

    • Opt for naturally sweet foods like fruits, but eat them in moderation.

  3. Stay Hydrated

    • Drinking plenty of water helps your body regulate blood sugar and flush out excess sugar. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces daily.

  4. Get Moving

    • Physical activity helps your muscles use sugar for energy and lowers blood sugar levels. Try walking, yoga, or strength training for at least 30 minutes a day.

  5. Use Natural Craving Support

    • Chromium and magnesium can support blood sugar regulation.

    • Incorporate herbs like cinnamon or fenugreek into your diet, known to improve insulin sensitivity.

    • Dill as a seasoning and spice can reduce sugar cravings.

    • Essential oils like peppermint or grapefruit can help curb sugar cravings when diffused or applied topically in a diluted roller blend.

  6. Try Stress Management Techniques

    • Stress raises cortisol, which can spike blood sugar levels. Incorporate practices like meditation, deep breathing, or energy work to lower stress hormones and stabilize your blood sugar.


Takeaways

If you’ve recently indulged over the holidays and have an upcoming blood test, keep in mind that your A1C might be higher due to recent lifestyle habits. Instead of panicking over the numbers, focus on resetting your body by making intentional changes to your diet and routine.


A healthier, more balanced lifestyle isn’t about perfection but about consistent, sustainable improvements. Give your body the tools it needs to stabilize and thrive—and remember, it’s never too late to start fresh.


How do you plan to get back on track this year? Let’s work together to make it happen! 💪✨

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