Living with gastroparesis isn’t easy, but it can be especially difficult around the holidays. Thanksgiving, specifically, is a holiday focused mainly on food and eating, which can be difficult for those with gastroparesis. We’ve compiled a list of gastroparesis-friendly Thanksgiving recipes from the experts themselves; those who live with the condition.

Mashed Potatoes
Chicken stock makes these mashed potatoes flavorful and creamy without any butter or milk.  The sour cream/Greek yogurt gives them a tangy twist.

• 3 lbs peeled, diced Yukon Gold potatoes
• 6 ounces fat-free chicken broth, warmed in microwave
• 6 oz. non-fat sour cream or 0% Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp. salt
• Boil potatoes until tender. Drain well.
• Mash or put through a potato ricer, adding broth until desired consistency is reached.*
• Add sour cream or yogurt, if desired.
• Season to taste.

*If you tolerate thinner purees better, simply stir a little extra warm broth into your portion after serving.

 

Thanksgiving Soup
The great thing about this recipe is that you can change it to fit vegetables you can tolerate. Feel free to add or subtract vegetables and spices based on what you can tolerate.

• 2 medium carrots, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• ½ cup of butternut squash, thinly cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups water
• ½ cup of peas
• 1 chicken broth bouillon
• 2 cups of shredded, cooked turkey breast
• 1 bay leaf, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, ½ teaspoon of thyme, ¼ teaspoon cumin (optional)

 

Carrot Soufflé
This fancy-sounding, crowd-pleasing side dish is perfect for holiday meals.   It’s also very GP-friendly, since it’s low-fat, low-fiber and pureed.

• 2 lbs. baby carrots
• 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup non-fat sour cream or plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup Egg Beaters

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Cook carrots until tender.
4. Process carrots in food processor or blender until smooth.
5. Add sugar and next 7 ingredients (through eggs) and process until combined.
6. Spoon into prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 40 minutes or until puffed and set.
8. Serve immediately.

 

The most important thing about navigating Thanksgiving with gastroparesis is to pay attention to your body and how you feel. Be sure to stay away from known triggers, and don’t take chances unless you’re totally comfortable knowing the risks.

If you or a loved one are living with gastroparesis, Preferred Research Partners is recruiting for a clinical trial that may be able to help you.