Happy Lunar New Year to all who are celebrating!

This year marks the Year of the Fire Horse—a powerful symbol of strength and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. The Fire Horse also brings transformation, and I hope you harness this positive energy to transform your health and other areas of your life.

As we gather with family and friends around tables filled with traditional foods, I know many of you face the challenge of balancing cultural celebration with blood sugar management. This newsletter is here to support you through the festivities while honoring both your health and your heritage.

💡 MAKING DIABETES CARE WORK FOR YOU

A quick reminder: I'm now seeing clients in-person in Massachusetts, in addition to virtual sessions across many states.

I'm also actively working to expand my insurance network so more of you can access quality diabetes care with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Over my 15 years in this field, it has always been my passion to make diabetes management accessible, equitable, and relevant to YOU. My goal is to ensure you never feel marginalized in your healthcare journey.

Want to see if your insurance is covered? Check your eligibility here or schedule a free strategy call to discuss options.

🎉 NAVIGATING LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate with family and friends—and yes, we celebrate around food. If you're managing your blood sugar, this can feel challenging. Here are strategies to help you enjoy the festivities without guilt:

Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy 🎊
Lunar New Year happens only once a year. You deserve to enjoy these special moments with your loved ones without guilt. This is about balance, not deprivation.

Focus on Balanced Meals 🍽️
With the larger variety of dishes available during celebrations, you can enjoy everything while keeping your meal balanced. Aim for the 1:1:1 ratio (vegetables : carbohydrates : protein) or even better, a 2:1:1 balance. This way, you're honoring tradition while supporting your blood sugar.

Drink in Moderation 🍷
Alcohol can cause blood sugar to drop too low. Limit yourself to 1-2 glasses or servings, and make sure to eat food alongside any alcoholic beverages.

Continue Monitoring Your Blood Sugar 📊
I know some people avoid checking their numbers during celebrations, thinking "I know it's going to be too high" or "I don't want to see high numbers." While it may feel scary, knowing your numbers helps you make informed decisions about what to do next to get back on track toward your blood sugar goals.

Stay Active Between Meals 🚶‍♀️
Try to find time between meals to move and spend quality time with family. A walk after eating, helping with cleaning, or playing with children all count as movement and help support healthy blood sugar levels.

🔍 WANT MORE GUIDANCE?

For a deeper dive into managing diabetes during Asian social gatherings and family celebrations, I've written a comprehensive blog with even more practical strategies. Read the full blog here to discover additional tips for navigating cultural food dynamics while maintaining your blood sugar goals.

📅 COMING UP IN MARCH

March is National Nutrition Month, and we'll be focusing on food and nutrition strategies specifically for Asian Americans managing diabetes.

What questions do you have about healthy eating? What would you like to know? Send me an email, and we'll explore them together in next month's newsletter!

✅ YOUR LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTION PLAN

This week, I challenge you to:

1. Choose ONE strategy from this newsletter to implement during your Lunar New Year celebrations
2. Share this newsletter with a friend or family member who might benefit
3. Get personalized support:
   • ✅ Join my FREE 8-Day Diabetes Transformation Challenge for daily strategies
   • ✅ Schedule a complimentary strategy call to discuss your unique needs
   • ✅ Check if your insurance covers our sessions to make quality care affordable

✉️ Find this newsletter helpful? Forward it to a friend who might benefit too!

📚 New to our newsletter? Catch up on previous issues and explore our archive here.

👋 About Karen

I'm Karen Lau, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with over 15 years of clinical experience helping Asian Americans manage diabetes while honoring their cultural traditions. My background in diabetes care at a major medical institution has given me deep insight into creating culturally-informed approaches to blood sugar management. Want personalized support? Schedule your first session here if you are using insurance. Or book a free strategy call to learn how we can work together—now available in-person for Massachusetts residents!

Note: This content is for general knowledge and educational purposes only, not medical advice. While this guide follows current medical guidelines, always consult your healthcare team for personalized recommendations and advice specific to your situation. This newsletter was authored by me, with my professional expertise, clinical experience, and original ideas forming the foundation of the content. Claude, an AI assistant from Anthropic, helped organize and expand my thoughts into this comprehensive newsletter while maintaining my voice and professional perspective.​

To your health—body, mind, and heritage,

Karen​
​Diabetes Dietitian & Diabetes Care Specialist (RDN, CDCES)
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