Holiday Gitters…..

First and foremost, let us start off our holidays by being thankful for our most precious gift; LIFE!!!

The holiday season’s tend to be pivotal moments for the Ostomy community. Things are different now, and you may feel like you can’t enjoy good holiday meals like you used to.

Living and getting use to an Ostomy can be challenging and worrying about our daily intake can prove to be strenuous. And for us Ostomates Preparing for the holiday seasons can be a tricky task.

Having an Ostomy for 14 years has allowed me to pick up a few valuable tricks to use during the holiday seasons. Tricks such as, wearing loose and comfortable clothing which will help with any bulging from your pouch. My favorite clothing to wear during the holiday’s, is a nice oversized jogging suit. I usually like to eat more during the holidays, which is why I make sure to have extra ostomy supplies at hand. Being proactive is crucial around these times because, your GI symptoms may increase. Wearing loose clothing, and eating a smaller meal in the morning will help reduce chances of excessive gas.

Referring to a daily food journal and preparing a food list with your restrictions, can be helpful to you and those who are preparing the holiday meals.

This information is not medical or treatment advice, it is for informational purpose only. If you are unsure, seek medical advice or treatment.

Listed below are Suggestions for holiday meal preps.

– Be sure to check the ingredients

– ask questions, about ingredients in a dish (ex. are they highly acidic)

– Preparing a dish of your own can help with limitations and food choices.

Celebrating the holidays, I found drinking 1/2 cup of liquids with meals And not drinking 1 hour before can be beneficial with slowing down output and increases the formation of solid stool.

– It’s always important to drink and stay hydrated even if the output does not become bulky.

– New ostomates, I know it can be mind boggling eating and visiting love ones during the holidays. Just be sure to remember to be open minded about this new experience

– When eating out, I believe you should continue to stick with normal eating habits, and the recommendations from your medical providers.

Eat what your comfortable eating, in small portions with less seasoning and salt. Eating soft foods, and chewing well can help with digestion.

Recommendation by other ostomates

Mash potatoes
(White, Sweet or cauliflower)
Plain Gravy
Fish
(Baked or steam)
Veggies
(No skin, seeds)
Meatloaf
Mac and cheese
Bake casseroles (check ingredients)
Cranberry Sauce
Tofu
Risotto
Pasta
Butternut squash or Potato Soup
Dips and Spreads
Desserts
(Cakes, Cookies, Puddings)

Happy Holidays ostomates, peace and joy to you and your family!!!