The Lighter Side of Life: Laughing Through Diabetes This Festive Season

Hey Skinnies, welcome back to another Skinny Chef Diaries weekly blog! I trust you’ve all had a blessed week. Did you know that today marks World Diabetes Day?

It’s an annual global health and wellness event that promotes healthy diets and lifestyles to help manage and prevent diabetes.

This year’s theme, “Diabetes and the Workplace,” shines a light on how most people living with the condition are of working age and that hits right at the heart of this week’s topic!

Fun fact: Sir Frederick Banting (above) was one of the co-discoverers of insulin back in 1922.

The festive season is rolling in with glittering lights, endless playlists, and food temptations at every corner. And for those managing diabetes, it can feel like you’re stuck between a fruitcake and a hard place. But here’s the Skinny Hack: joy doesn’t have to spike your blood sugar.

In fact, laughter might just be the healthiest indulgence of all!

Jamie Foxx once said,

“The best time when any comedian is successful is when they’re skinny.” 

While he was poking fun at Hollywood’s obsession with image and the struggles of up-and-coming comedians, there’s a deeper truth here for those navigating diabetes: staying light physically, emotionally, and spiritually can be a game changer.

So, Skinnies, in this week’s blog, let’s explore THE LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE, AIGHT!

Festive Feasting Without the Guilt

Skinnies, the holidays are all about indulgence but managing diabetes doesn’t mean you have to sit out the celebration. It just means you get creative:

1. Swap out sugar-loaded desserts for fruity treats or low-sugar alternatives.

2. Embrace spices like nutmeg and cinnamon they add flavour and help regulate blood sugar.

3. Remember, portion control is your best friend. You can taste everything… just not all at once!

Skinny Chef Hack: Be like me and Shadre  go on a “See Food Diet!” 😂 But on a serious note, if you go overboard, forgive yourself. Tomorrow is another day and another chance to balance your wellness.

Comedy as Medicine

Let’s take a cue from the comedic greats Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, and Chris Rock. These legends have made millions laugh through the chaos of life. Their secret? They find humour in the everyday, and so can we!

Eddie Murphy

Taught us that laughter can be loud, outrageous, and healing.

Dave Chappelle

 reminds us that truth wrapped in humour is powerful.

Chris Rock 

shows us that even the tough stuff can be funny if you’re brave enough to laugh at it.

Skinny Chef Hack: This festive season, binge on comedy specials instead of cookies! Laugh until your belly hurts Skinnies, and not because of the carbs! 😆

Living Light & Healing Holistically

Life is fast-paced right now, but we can still chill and giggle through it. Real healing happens when we slow down, breathe, and lighten the HECK up!

1. Take walks not just for exercise, but for peace.

2. Meditate even five minutes can reset your mood.

3. Be silly! Dance in the kitchen, sing completely off-key (like Shadre always does, ha ha!).

   
   

Skinny Chef Hack: Living lighter isn’t just about weight it’s about shaking off stress, guilt, and pressure (and yes, even the people who stress you out!). Choose your own joy, even when things aren’t perfect.

Create Your Own Joy

Take back your power! Whether you’re surrounded by family or flying solo this season, remember this joy is portable. You don’t need a crowd to celebrate yourself, and you don’t need a feast to feel full.

1. Call a friend, or drop a funny text in the family group chat.

2. Cook something new or remix an old favourite.

3. Watch your favourite comedies, or better yet, become your own comedian — make that funny money, ha ha!

Final Thoughts

As we kick off the festive countdown filled with flavour, laughter, and living light, whether you’re managing diabetes or just trying to stay balanced this season Yoh, Skinnies I want you to kick the depression bucket and find your daily dose of joy, with a side of spice.

Stay happy, stay healthy, and yes stay skinny because the lighter side of life isn’t just a mood, it’s a movement!

AIGHT? Same time, same place next week! 🌟

Creative Director :Shadre Leonard