To test over Christmas or not?

@MrsA2 - I'm a great believer that "it is what it is", coupled with "Knowledge is power".

Whilst nobody wants to see a big number on their meter, it's information, and you decide what, if anything, to do with that information. It is likely after a period of low carbing, and weight loss that your body may be able to cope with more than you think - at least in the shorter term.

If you see BIG numbers, then you maybe know you have to think if you could reduce quantities next time (or leave it to one side), or many folks report that their previously delicious treats are just overwhelmingly sweet, stodgy or whatever. That coupled with a meter reading just helps evaluate whether you want it in your life.

I wouldn't condone making the testing a big thing, just a discreet stab and go. You don't even have to think about the numbers in real time. You could just record the data then review a few days later.

Having been low carbing about 7 years now, and having wrangled my bloods into a generally decent place, I don't test as much as I did closer to diagnosis, but I do still test - particularly on these dietary odd days.

Sometimes I find myself looking at my meter screen through one almost closed eye, expecting a shocker, but I'd rather know than not.

Whatever you decide, it's something you have to be comfortable with. Every year, we have those who manage to stick to their ways of eating like glue, and others who throw caution to the wind for a few days. Sadly, we also always have a few who seem to disappear for a while, having wandered off the reservation, to return a few weeks, or months later, having reawakened all their cravings and in some cases addictions.

Only you will know where you are on the cravings spectrum, and whether one is enough. My OH has a far better off switch than me, although mine is better than it used to be. Clearly he helps me, just by being himself, in that he'll do what he does and I'll think if x is enough for MrB, it really should be for me.

He had his first mince pie of the season on Saturday, and declared it just too sweet.

During lockdown #1, I did a few "Afternoon Tea from Me" for folks around me who were shielding or heavyweight isolating. I may just bake a few scones, knock up a bit of jam, and brew some clotted ream, add a mincepie or two and offload the balance mincepies, which I know he won't bother with.

The only thing that would concern me about relaxing the testing and eating regime, is that the carb foods for me could trigger a carb craving after living low carb for a good while after. So Christmas wouldn’t be just the one day, could extend to a month or more. Once I put the meter away, it tends to stay away. My regime will be to test as usual. Eat pretty much as usual, but with the dinner plate having more of the meat and veg than the spuds. A decent cheese board for dessrt, and a glass or two of red wine. I can do without the cakes, puds and mince pies, but there will be cream, nuts and dark chocolate to make truffles should the mood take me that way.
The lack of socialising, and having no house guests will make it simpler to stick with the programme.