Happy Turkey Day is what they say, but for anyone with medical issues it’s Groundhog’s Day. The repeating cycle of stress, confusion, frustration, and anger, and we can’t forget the brave face and the, “I’m fine,” line because anyone with any bit of health issues knows that you do and feel all these things.
Whether that be everyday or when you’re having flare ups, the truth is that our “ normal” is a lot different then the average person’s. So when holidays come around, we sometimes forget to let ourselves know we deal with a lot, but we can get through this energy-giving day just like any other.
By taking deep breaths, using our strategies, and planning, we can get through it. Now, you might be wondering why am I talking about health issues for Thanksgiving, but I do have an answer! From someone who deals with chronic diseases and illnesses every day, I know firsthand how challenging holidays can be and all the battles going through our heads. However, my goal through writing this is to provide guidance for those dealing with medical issues, so they can find guidance, help, and relatability, and know that we are one big family and always have each others’ backs.
This is something I wish six years ago when my medical issues started that I could have read, and just know even though this Thanksgiving might be different than your last, you’re still here to live it and that’s the biggest blessing of all.
Please know that people with any type of medical issue like to lessen their voices because we know it could be so much worse, but please know that everything is relative. Your feelings are valid and need to be heard just as much, and nobody deserves to have to deal with any pain, physical or mental.
So, here is a guide of what to expect from friends and family at large gatherings and how to deal with certain emotions to make the environment easier. Featured as well are some food alternatives and recipes that I truly hope will be a good new add-on sto your Thanksgiving table!
Dealing With the Noise
As someone who also has anxiety on top of my physical health issues, holidays incorporate and sometimes intensify all of my symptoms and emotions. The best advice I could give is to have strict self-discipline and to plan your day ahead of time.
I know for me and my health, everyday is different, so that can be hard, but sticking to a schedule, for me at least, lessens the stress, and I don’t feel as overwhelmed or panicked at the end of the day. I will be doing that this year as we are hosting a big Thanksgiving meal with a lot of family.
I deal with many gastroenterology issues, so eating is not my favorite thing in the world to do in general, especially not on holidays. My stomach and I have never had a great relationship, but I have been able to manage comments about what I eat and how much I eat, and I hope this helps.
If your family or friends do know about your medical issues, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. I know my parents often tell my other family members to just act normal and never bring up my issues while eating, or I have myself.
Somewhere along the line I have found the courage to speak up for my health, and just simply state, “I’m dealing with a lot, but can we please not talk about it till after we eat, thank you.”
I still find this so hard to do because I never want it to come off as rude, but the truth is you’re just stating your truth and mind, and that is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Regardless, you can’t control what other people say, and comments like, “That’s all your eating?” can make you upset.
Just know for the most part people don’t think too much before words come out of their mouths, and they didn’t mean it to come out as rude as you might think it is. Try to tune out of the noise and enjoy your meal and the company of the people around you because that’s the best treat of all!
Dealing With the Pain
One thing I’ve learned is that your mind and body are all connected in WAY more ways than you would ever believe. So, going into this holiday, or any holiday for that matter, having a positive mindset will take you to the finish line.
The truth of the matter is that everyday is different, and you could wake up feeling so bad, and that is NOT your fault! You can’t control your body and pain always, but you can control how you react to it.
I know for me I tend to push through things because I want to have a good day and memory, so trust your gut. If you feel really poorly, then lie down, but if you feel like you conserved enough energy and relaxed most of the day leading up to the dinner, then go and enjoy with whatever energy and strength you have in you. Nobody feels pain the same, so whatever ways you cope with your illness are the right ways for you.
My travel softball coach used to say, “Keep stacking paper,” meaning after every practice, clinic, game, or tournament, we would grow and learn from our mistakes and get better.
As for my health, I’ve learned it’s quite similar. You survived, you kept going, you learned a new strategy, you really do grow through what you go through. No matter how big your stack of paper is, just know you’ve overcome a lot, and it’ll be okay. There’s no one linear path in life, my dad always tells me, “A rollercoaster isn’t a straight line, you have times you go up and down, and that’s life and dealing with medical issues.” You’ll have flare ups , but then you’ll have “normal” smiling laughter-filled days.
So, whether you have Type One Diabetes like my older brother or many allergies, they’re both equally serious because you have to deal with them everyday. It is important to remember, it’s not your fault that you have to deal with your illness. I believe only the strongest people can deal with the harshest storms!
Food Alternatives and Recipes
For all my foodies out there like myself, finding out you have allergies or need to go on certain diets to manage your symptoms and life can be very hard and sad. I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel. When I found out I was allergic to dairy after going twelve years not knowing that, I was shocked and confused. I didn’t know what I was going to eat anymore. So many of my favorite foods had some sort of dairy product in them. While shocking news, I did survive and have found many alternatives that have gotten me through saying goodbye to dairy.
I’m also vegetarian because my body doesn’t respond well to any kind of meat as of a few years ago, so Thanksgiving is not always easy to plan meals for. I’ve learned that even if your food looks different from everyone else’s, as long as it makes you feel good that’s all that matters. I really hope you’ll find foods that make you still enjoy eating and wanting to go in for seconds. I recommend doing research based on your dietary restrictions or issues.
Talking to doctors and nutritionists has helped me so much. Even if you don’t want to do that, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tik Tok truly do have good recipes too offer, and on top of that you really find creators like you and a community who might struggle similarly to you.
This Thanksgiving, instead of turkey, I most likely will either get a Dr. Praeger’s Veggie burger of some sort and have some pickled onions and homemade sauce on it, or just skip a meat source. I am fortunate to be able to have salads. I’ll typically do arugula or butter lettuce with tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions, maybe even strawberries with Violife dairy free cheese, avocado oil, and balsamic vinegar. Of course with seasonings as well!
When it comes to bread, recently I’ve been sticking with Keto bread or homemade bread so no matter how weird it might look, I will still have bread because it’s too good not to have some! Maybe some sides of green beans or cranberries. This year I might even make what I’m known for throughout my family, which is a veggie roast platter. Just peel and chop whatever veggies you want. I like sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, broccoli, and brussel sprouts: the classics. Heat the oven to 400 degrees then put them all on tin foil on a pan. Season with whatever seasonings you want and drizzle with olive or avocado oil. Then Bon Appetit!
If you’re looking for a tasty diary -ree mac and cheese, check out Olivia Andriance on TikTok. Another favorite allergy-friendly recipe of mine is allergy friendly pasta sauce ! I hope some of these recipes and ideas helped, and that you’ll still love being a foodie even if it looks a little different now!
Happy Thanksgiving!
On Thanksgiving I know I’ll be counting my blessings for all the help and care I’ve been able to receive. It’s a privilege to have health care and one that is greatly overlooked, and one day I hope to repay in one way or another all those who made me smile on my darkest days or helped me relieve my pain. Please do remember your feelings are valid always, and from someone who struggles sometimes to not say sorry, don’t apologize for feeling bad.
