Holiday Side Effect Tips

  • GLP-1 Holiday Guide

    15 Best GLP-1-Friendly Holiday Foods (And Why They’re Perfect for the Season)

    GLP-1-Friendly Holiday Foods

    The holiday season is basically one long buffet. From Thanksgiving spreads to Christmas dinners and New Year’s nibbles, the table groans under the weight of turkey, stuffing, pies, and “just one more” canapé.

    But here’s the thing, not every festive favourite will love you back, especially when you’re on GLP-1s.

    The trick? Fill your plate with GLP-1-friendly holiday foods that help you maintain weight, avoid side effects, and still feel like you’re part of the fun.

    That means good sources of protein, high fibre foods, nutrient-packed veg, and smart nutrition swaps that keep you comfortable from appetiser to dessert.

    Here are 15 festive favourites that tick all the boxes, plus exactly why they deserve a spot on your holiday plate. If you want a full plan for navigating every event, my GLP-1 Holiday Prep: How to Stay on Track From Pumpkin Spice to New Year’s Eve has you covered.

    Table of Contents

    1. Turkey

    Lean, protein-rich, and low in fat (which can cause nausea). Supports muscle mass and blood sugar control without overfilling you.

    2. Roast Chicken

    Another great main with plenty of good sources of protein. Gentle on the stomach and easy to pair with high fibre sides.

    3. Sweet Potatoes

    High in fibre and vitamins to help keep you full without spiking blood sugar. Mash with Greek yoghurt instead of cream for a lighter texture that’s easier to tolerate.

    4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Crispy, full of fibre, and brilliant for digestion, just don’t drown them in oil to avoid that heavy, greasy feeling.

    5. Green Beans

    A light, non-starchy veg that balances richer foods on your plate and supports a healthy weight goal.

    6. Roasted Carrots

    Naturally sweet and easy to digest. Add a small drizzle of olive oil for flavour without making them overly fatty.

    sliced meat on brown wooden chopping board

    7. Quinoa Salad

    A complete protein and high fibre combo that keeps you satisfied and helps prevent low blood sugar symptoms later in the evening.

    8. Lentil Soup

    Warm, filling, and ideal as a starter to stop you overdoing it on heavier mains. High fibre and protein for long-lasting energy.

    9. Baked Apples

    A lighter dessert that’s naturally sweet without the heavy cream. Pair with Greek yoghurt for extra protein and better food choices.

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    GLP-1-Friendly Holiday Foods

    10. Cranberry Sauce (Low Sugar)

    Adds a festive kick without the sugar crash. Choose a low-sugar version to protect blood sugar control.

    11. Roasted Salmon

    Packed with protein and healthy fats that are easier to digest than heavier meat dishes. Great option if you’re avoiding high fat meats.

    12. Greek Yoghurt Parfait

    A high protein breakfast suggestion that sets you up for the day, and helps you start with a well balanced diet before the big meal.

    13. Roasted Squash

    Comforting and naturally sweet, but gentle on digestion. Perfect for maintaining a healthy routine while still feeling festive.

    14. Mixed Nuts (Small Portion)

    Nutrient-dense with healthy fats, but stick to a handful to avoid digestive upset from too much fat in one go.

    15. High Protein Smoothies

    Perfect for busy mornings or as a post-event recovery snack. Keeps energy up and avoids skipping meals, which can trigger overeating later.

    clear cup with straw on beige wooden surface

    How to Build Your Thanksgiving or Christmas Plate with GLP-1 Friendly Holiday Foods

    Think of your plate as prime festive real estate, you want every bite to work for you, taste amazing, and keep side effects in check. The best approach? Protein first, fibre second, fun foods last.

    1: Start With Protein (¼–⅓ of your plate)

    • Turkey or Roast Chicken for lean protein.
    • Roasted Salmon if you prefer fish.

    These are easy to digest, keep blood sugar steady, and help maintain muscle mass.

    2: Load Up on Fibre (⅓-½ of your plate)

    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    • Green Beans
    • Roasted Carrots
    • Roasted Squash

    These support digestion, help with weight maintenance, and stop you from filling up too fast on high fat foods.

    3: Add Smart Carbs (small portion)

    • Sweet Potatoes – roast or mash with Greek yoghurt for a lighter side.
    • Quinoa Salad – pair with veg to keep things balanced.

    4: Finish With a Side of Festive Flavour

    • Low sugar Cranberry Sauce for a tangy, bright contrast.

    5: Dessert Without the Drama

    • Baked Apples topped with Greek yoghurt for a sweet, protein-rich ending that won’t leave you feeling uncomfortable.

    Keeping Side Effects Away This Holiday Season

    The golden rule to enjoy holiday foods? Protein first, portion control always, and high fat foods in moderation.

    Avoid piling your plate too high, chew slowly, and take breaks between courses.

    If dessert is your danger zone, check out How to Handle Holiday Desserts on GLP-1 (Without Side Effects or Guilt) for portion hacks and smart swaps.

    If you’re heading into Thanksgiving, my Your GLP-1 Thanksgiving Survival Guide: Eat, Enjoy, and Stay Comfortable gives you the full strategy.

    For December madness, GLP-1 Christmas Survival Tips: Navigating Buffets, Parties, and Family Dinners is your must-read.

    Your GLP-1 Game Plan Starts Here

    Feeling a bit lost on your GLP-1 journey? Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your dose increases, the GLP-1 Success Blueprint is your practical, no-fluff guide to navigating weight loss meds like Mounjaro, Zepbound, or Wegovy with confidence.

    This isn’t another generic ebook. It’s a full toolkit designed to help you feel strong, informed, and in control, without the overwhelm.

    Inside, you’ll get:

    • GLP-1 Meds 101: Understand how they work, what to expect, and how each med compares (minus the jargon)
    • Nutrition Guidance: Learn how to eat for fat loss and muscle retention, even when your appetite is low
    • Workout Support: Discover the best ways to move your body without burning out
    • 6-Week Action Plan: Simple daily steps and healthy habit examples to follow at your pace
    • Mindset & Motivation Tips: Stay consistent even when your drive dips
    • Red Flag Checklist: Know what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek support
    • Bonus: Myths & FAQs – Bust the most common GLP-1 myths and get real answers

    Digital download only – use it on your phone, tablet, or print it out to keep by your side.

    Ready to ditch the guesswork and actually feel good on your meds?

    Grab it Here!

    Read These Next

    Conclusion

    With the right GLP-1-friendly holiday foods, you can avoid bloating, nausea, and sugar crashes while still enjoying the festive season.

    Build your plate smartly, listen to your body, and keep the celebrations comfortable.

    Next Steps

    “Enjoy the holiday foods for the memories, not the aftermath.”

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    GLP-1-Friendly Holiday Foods
  • GLP-1 Holiday Guide

    GLP-1 Holiday Prep: How to Stay on Track From Pumpkin Spice to New Year’s Eve

    GLP-1 HOLIDAY PREP

    Let’s be honest, the holiday season can be a minefield. Endless buffets, “just a sliver” of pie, the smell of mince pies wafting through the air… it’s enough to make even the most determined GLP-1 user feel wobbly.

    You’ve worked hard to build a healthy routine, but from pumpkin spice season through to the last champagne toast on New Year’s Eve, it can feel like the world is daring you to ditch it all.

    This post is your GLP-1 Holiday Prep action plan. We’ll tackle the biggest worries you’ve got about food, family, and festive chaos, and I’ll show you how to keep making better food choices, stick to a well balanced diet, and still enjoy yourself.

    We’ll talk practical swaps, mindset tricks, and how to handle those moments when someone shoves another sausage roll under your nose.

    So grab a cuppa, take a breath, and let’s get you feeling confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy the season, without sacrificing your progress.

    Table of Contents

    “I’m Worried I’ll Lose Control Around Comfort Foods”

    First off, you’re not alone. The cooler months are prime time for stews, pastries, and baked treats (which we LOVE) but when you’re on GLP-1s, rich, high fat foods can hit differently.

    The trick? Swap without sacrifice. Think high fibre foods and good sources of protein to keep you full and steady, so you’re less likely to overdo it.

    A protein-rich diet (with simple things like high protein smoothies or egg-based breakfast suggestions) will help with blood sugar control and weight maintenance.

    If autumn foods are your weak spot, you’ll love my post on Surviving Autumn Comfort Food Cravings on GLP-1 (Without Feeling Deprived), it’s packed with easy swaps and meal planning for protein-rich diet ideas that feel indulgent but won’t leave you uncomfortably full.

    “I Don’t Want to Offend Family by Eating Less”

    Here’s the truth: most people are too busy thinking about their own plate to notice yours, but when they do notice, it can get awkward.

    Have a few polite, light-hearted responses ready, and focus on the social side of the meal. You’re here for the laugh and the memories.

    Some easy comebacks you can keep in your back pocket:

    • “I’m pacing myself – I’m here all night!”
    • “It’s delicious, I just need a breather before round two.”
    • “I’m saving room for dessert… priorities!”

    If you’ve got a big feast coming up, read Your GLP-1 Thanksgiving Survival Guide: Eat, Enjoy, and Stay Comfortable for exactly how to balance smart nutrition with social ease. It covers Zepbound tips, what to eat while taking Zepbound, and how to maintain weight without missing out on the fun.

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    GLP-1 HOLIDAY PREP

    “I’m Afraid Big Feasts Will Make Me Sick”

    On GLP-1s, it’s not just about calories, it’s about comfort. Eating too quickly or having too much can lead to low blood sugar symptoms, bloating, or nausea.

    Pace yourself, stick to good sources of protein first, and avoid loading up on rich high fat foods right out of the gate.

    If you know you’ll be tempted, make your plate balanced, a bit of protein, some high fibre foods, and maybe a smaller serving of those creamy potatoes you love.

    If Christmas dinner is your danger zone, my post on GLP-1 Christmas Survival Tips: Navigating Buffets, Parties, and Family Dinners breaks it all down, from workout food suggestions for energy to flexibility workout ideas to help you feel better after.

    “I Already Know I’ll Mess Up”

    That’s not a prediction, that’s a story you’re telling yourself. And the good news? You can rewrite it. If you overdo it on pudding or skip your total body workout, you haven’t “failed”. You’ve lived.

    The point is to bounce back quickly. That might mean a high protein breakfast the next day, a short power yoga session, or going to the gym for a light flexibility workout.

    For a no-guilt, get-back-on-track guide, head to Holiday Slip-Up on GLP-1? How to Bounce Back Fast Without the Guilt Spiral. It’s full of healthy weight, health and wellness, and fitness nutrition hacks that make bouncing back as easy as brewing a cuppa.

    woman in white long sleeve shirt holding wine glass

    Setting Yourself Up for a Low-Stress Season

    Think of the holidays as a marathon, not a sprint.

    Keep your fitness nutrition balanced, plan Zepbound food and tirzepatide compound-friendly meals ahead of time, and weave in movement you enjoy, whether that’s a brisk walk, a bit of power yoga, or a short flexibility workout at home.

    The aim? Maintain weight, keep healthy, and finish the season feeling good in your own skin.

    Your GLP-1 Game Plan Starts Here

    Feeling a bit lost on your GLP-1 journey? Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your dose increases, the GLP-1 Success Blueprint is your practical, no-fluff guide to navigating weight loss meds like Mounjaro, Zepbound, or Wegovy with confidence.

    This isn’t another generic ebook. It’s a full toolkit designed to help you feel strong, informed, and in control, without the overwhelm.

    Inside, you’ll get:

    • GLP-1 Meds 101: Understand how they work, what to expect, and how each med compares (minus the jargon)
    • Nutrition Guidance: Learn how to eat for fat loss and muscle retention, even when your appetite is low
    • Workout Support: Discover the best ways to move your body without burning out
    • 6-Week Action Plan: Simple daily steps and healthy habit examples to follow at your pace
    • Mindset & Motivation Tips: Stay consistent even when your drive dips
    • Red Flag Checklist: Know what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek support
    • Bonus: Myths & FAQs – Bust the most common GLP-1 myths and get real answers

    Digital download only – use it on your phone, tablet, or print it out to keep by your side.

    Ready to ditch the guesswork and actually feel good on your meds?

    Grab it Here!

    Read these next:

    Conclusion

    The holiday season doesn’t have to be a free-for-all or a guilt-fest.

    With the right GLP-1 Holiday Prep, you can enjoy the food, the people, and the moments, without losing sight of your goals. Remember: you’re in control, not the buffet table.

    Next Steps

    “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good, progress beats perfection every time.”

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    GLP-1 HOLIDAY PREP