Published December 1, 2023

There's a special emphasis placed on holiday foods, with excitement and anticipation surrounding those meals. These dishes may be your great-grandmother’s secret-recipe casserole, Uncle John’s legendary pie, or even your favorite seasonal grocery store finds you look forward to most. It can feel daunting to navigate and understand—or even explain—your dietary needs and why you’re eating differently. Let's help you keep your joy this holiday season. Even if you're pregnant or live with diabetes or celiac disease, you can still celebrate with friends and loved ones.

Recipes.

Eating for pregnancy.

Navigating your diet while pregnant can bring its own challenges. It’s important to remember that the immune system may be weakened during pregnancy, and some foods pose a high risk for foodborne illness. Appetizers like charcuterie boards can include uncooked or fermented meats such as pepperoni, prosciutto, and salami, as well as soft, unpasteurized cheeses like feta, Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese. Unless the cheese package says “pasteurized,” it is not safe to eat while pregnant. Make sure fresh veggies have been washed before snacking, as they can harbor bacteria that may cause food poisoning. Some less obvious sources of raw eggs, which should be avoided during pregnancy, include holiday drinks like eggnog and food items like Caesar salad dressing.

You might expect the alcohol content (or lack thereof) of certain holiday fare to be obvious, but alcohol can be present in drinks and foods you might not expect. Festive beverages can contain liquor, and some desserts may be soaked in rum or other spirits. By asking what’s in that fancy drink or cake, you can bypass any accidental intake. For more information on eating while pregnant, check out Healthy Babies Start with Healthy Moms.

Eating for diabetes.

It can be tempting to save calories and carbs by skipping meals leading up to the main event, but keeping a regular eating schedule is in your blood sugar’s best interest. Missing a meal can cause low blood sugar and eating the bulk of your carbs and calories in a single sitting can cause high blood sugar. It’s best to evenly distribute your carbs throughout the day with meals and snacks. On the day of your special holiday meal, eat as normally as you can—that is, stick to your daily carb count and don’t skip meals. Ask what will be on the menu ahead of time so you can mentally prepare your plate and estimate how many carbohydrates to expect. Remember to check your blood sugar more regularly this day and adjust your meals and medication as needed.

A good starting point for most women is 45—60 grams of carbohydrates per meal and 60—75 grams per meal for men.¹ For more help on carb counting and building your plate, check out Meal Planning and Carb Counting.*

And if you’re looking for a flavorful and carb-smart dish to serve this holiday season, try our Air Fryer Roasted Curried Cauliflower—Chickpea Salad.

*By clicking this link, you will leave publix.com and enter the Novo Nordisk site which they operate and control.

Eating for celiac disease.

Good communication can make your holiday meal wonderful. Ask your host what is on the menu and let them know you need to eat gluten-free. Offer to prepare a gluten-free dish. Make sure to use separate serving utensils to prevent cross contamination and keep gluten-free dishes separate by placing them at one end of the table. Be mindful of double dippers. And try to be the first to plate your food along with the other gluten-free guests.

If this all sounds like a lot, consider hosting the event. This will give you more control and take some of the pressure off, so you don’t have to guess if there’s gluten in food others have prepared. Or make the holidays even easier by sharing your favorite gluten-free dish from the store or local restaurant. Check out our delicious gluten-free recipe for Orange-Almond Cakes with Strawberries and a variety of gluten-free baking items.

There are plenty of ways to navigate the holidays while ensuring laughter and joy around the table. If you are anticipating this season with some anxiety, these tips can turn that food worry into food glory. As a friendly reminder, consult with your physician or dietitian before embarking on any new diet, especially if you are pregnant or have diabetes or celiac disease.

For the love of you.

Choosing how you eat is uniquely personal. It’s about your needs, your preferences, and your goals. As your wellness ally, we’re in your corner with fresh ideas, recipes, and wellness icons that make it easier to shift toward wiser food choices. It’s all about you, at your very best.

Sources

¹Evert, Alison B., Michelle Dennison, Christopher D. Gardner, et al. Nutrition Therapy for Adults with Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report. American Diabetes Association. April 15, 2019.