The holidays can be a tough time for many people, especially those on a restricted diet. The most important thing about managing a restricted diet during any holiday season is to plan ahead. The more you know in advance, the better you can plan.
These are some questions to ask:
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Where will I be spending the holidays and how long will the trip be?
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Do I have enough formula so I do not run out over the weekend
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Am I dining at home or at someone else’s home?
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Will I be preparing the food or will someone else?
Once you know more about what your day/weekend will consist of, you can make a plan.
One key thing to plan in advance is the menu. If you are not dining at home, but at a friend’s or relative’s home, it will be important to ask what is being served, then…
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Ask if you can bring a side dish (one that is suitable for you, but enough for everyone to share).
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Let them know about your dietary needs so they can omit or serve items on the side that are not low protein friendly, like cheese or bread crumbs.
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See if you can access the kitchen to re-heat or make additional items for the holiday meal.
Get Creative!
Many traditional holiday favorites can be modified to reduce the protein, while still keeping the taste and texture you and others love. Here are some recipes with small changes to lower the protein content — they are sure to become family staples at your holiday meals:
Reduced Protein Mashed Potatoes
2 cups (248 g), Cauliflower, florets
2 cups (312 g), White potato, peeled and cut into pieces
1 cup (156 g), Parsnips, peeled and cut into pieces
¼ cup (56 g),Non-dairy creamer, liquid
2 tablespoons (28 g),Margarine, dairy-free
To taste (2-3 g), Salt and pepper
Directions
- Boil potato and parsnip in a large pot until they begin to soften.
- Add cauliflower and continue to cook until soft and tender.
- Drain water.
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Makes 7 servings (115 g per serving)
Protein 2 g P HE 67 mg Calories 105
End your holiday meal on a sweet note with this low protein apple cobbler for dessert. This is a dish everyone at your holiday gathering is sure to enjoy!
Low Protein Apple Cobbler
8 cups (880 g), Apples, peeled, cored, sliced
½ cup (110 g), Brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup (67 g), Sugar, granulated
¼ cup (28 g), Corn starch
2 tablespoons (31 g), Lemon juice
½ teaspoon (1.3 g), Cinnamon
½ teaspoon (1 g), Nutmeg
1 can (400 g), Maddy’s® Homestyle Sugar Cookie Mix
8 tablespoons (1 stick), Margarine, dairy-free
DIRECTIONS
- In a large bowl, combine Maddy’s® Homestyle Sugar Cookie Mix and margarine .
- Blend until mixture is fully combined (resembles coarse crumbles)
- Set aside
- In a second large bowl, combine all other ingredients.Stir.
- Place apple mixture into a greased 9 x 12 inch pan.
- Spoon cookie mixture over top of apples, evenly.
- Bake at 375° F for 35-45 minutes (until apples are tender and topping is lightly browned.)
Makes 12 servings (124 g per serving)
Protein 0 g PHE 8 mg Calories 215
And most of all…
Holidays do not have to be all about food. Make your holidays memorable with family traditions, such as a family football game or checkers tournament.
Happy Thanksgiving from
