Thanksgiving Shifts as Families Adapt to Health Trends
Thanksgiving is shaping up to be quite different this year for many families, especially those dealing with nutrition and health changes. For new moms, like Jennifer Stojkovic, whose son Roman was born in September, the holiday presents both a craving for comfort food and a challenge. With a need for extra calories due to breastfeeding, Stojkovic has an eye on sweet potato casserole, loaded with brown sugar, cranberries, and, of course, marshmallows.
However, a wrinkle in her plans is that several family members are currently taking GLP-1 medications for diabetes and weight loss, which can diminish their appetite. “I think a lot of people are cutting back on sugar,” she shared, explaining her wish to include those marshmallows in her casserole. The upcoming Thanksgiving gathering in Los Angeles will likely be a “streamlined menu,” focusing more on protein-rich dishes and fewer carbs.
These medications, like Ozempic and Munjaro, are increasingly seen as influencers on holiday dining, shifting traditional feasting into more of a mindful munch-and-sample experience.
Healthier Turns on Traditions
Take Erin Cadden, for instance. This grandmother from Pennsylvania has shed 40 pounds using GLP-1 medications. To keep her famous creamy sweet potato casserole delicious yet lighter, Cadden substitutes half a cup of calorie-free stevia for sugar. “No one noticed,” she said of her family’s response, delighting in how the dish remains a hit.
While she usually offers a range of desserts, this year she’s cutting back, swapping out a heavy chocolate pie for a fresh fruit platter. It’s all about making healthier choices, after all.
Rethinking Family Feasts
In Alabama, Andrea Rusk plans a Thanksgiving without her usual spread, which includes pies, casseroles, and more. Although her family has opted for a “no-gain” strategy by heading to Golden Corral instead, Rusk has made strides toward healthier eating habits, partially thanks to Ozempic. “I don’t have the noise of food making my eyes bigger than my stomach,” the 70-year-old commented.
This year, visitors can expect light treats like banana nut bread and ambrosia salad, minus the sugary juices. Rusk and her husband aim to enjoy a healthy meal while avoiding the typical holiday weight gain.
The Generational Shift
Chloe Kuznar shares that her grandmother, a diabetic and a determined baker, transformed her own approach to Thanksgiving after starting a GLP-1 regime, losing around 70 pounds. Kuznar, a college student, sometimes feels the tension of differing eating habits during family gatherings. “It can be awkward,” she admitted, particularly with the topic of their dieting flying around the table.
This Thanksgiving, the family will likely see new dishes, as Kuznar’s grandmother aligns more with whole food options, though Kuznar herself isn’t convinced she’ll dig into those alternatives.
Planning Ahead
Experts offer advice for those using GLP-1 medications during the holiday season. It’s suggested to check menus ahead of time and to bring along dishes that align with dietary needs. “Maybe I’ll bring oven-roasted yams instead of candied,” Dr. Sue Decotis, a weight loss physician, reflects. Staying hydrated and being cautious with high-glycemic foods are also key strategies.
As a warning, Decotis highlights that many patients can gain significant weight over the holidays if not careful, emphasizing the difficulty of regaining progress after indulging. “It’s not impossible, but it’s certainly a challenge,” she concluded, reminding everyone to enjoy the holidays while maintaining healthy choices.
