Thanksgiving used to be one of those holidays where I’d go in with the best intentions… and leave feeling inflamed, overwhelmed, exhausted, and honestly a little disappointed in myself.
But this year is different.
This year, I’m healing.
This year, I’m listening to my belly.
This year, I’m choosing calm over chaos.
And I’m building a Thanksgiving that actually supports the life I’m creating — not the life I’m trying to leave behind.
This is my gentle, gut-friendly Thanksgiving plan.
🌿 Why This Thanksgiving Matters
I’ve worked hard to calm my inflammation, lower my blood sugar, and give my body the consistency it needed for the first time in years.
My A1C dropped.
My morning throat pain improved after decades.
My belly calmed.
My mind steadied.
My energy evened out.
I’m not willing to throw that away for one meal — but I’m also not punishing myself or restricting either.
I’m choosing a Thanksgiving that feels peaceful, not stressful.
🥗 My Thanksgiving Meal Plan (Healing-Friendly & Delicious)
Here’s what I’ve planned for my holiday plate — simple, gentle, and still festive:
• Turkey (center of the meal)
Lean, easy to digest, and safe for my gut right now.
• Roasted Baby Potatoes
I eat these every day — they’re reliable, calm, and stable for my blood sugar.
• Green Beans
Soft, gentle, and low-irritant.
• Carrots
Already tested and belly-friendly.
• Gravy
Small amount — just enough for flavor, not enough to cause a setback.
• A Roll with Butter
Yes, I’m including it. But I’m following the order that keeps my blood sugar steady (see below).
• Tentative Side: Stuffing or Corn
Not required. If it feels like too much, I will skip it. My body decides, not tradition.
• My Homemade Gentle Holiday Cranberry Sauce
Low-sugar, simple, and more calming than traditional versions.
🍊 Gentle Holiday Cranberry Sauce (Gut-Friendly)
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 1 cup water
- 1/4–1/3 cup maple syrup or honey (to taste, or less for lower sugar)
- Zest of 1 small orange + 2–3 Tbsp orange juice (if tolerated)
- 1 small cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Small pinch of sea salt (optional)
Directions:
- Add cranberries, water, maple syrup or honey, and orange juice to a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add orange zest and cinnamon; simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Let cool completely; it will thicken more as it cools. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
This version is gentler than traditional cranberry sauce, with less sugar and simple, real ingredients.
🍽️ My Thanksgiving Eating Order (To Protect Digestion + Blood Sugar)
This is how I’ll eat to stay stable:
- Turkey first (protein foundation)
- Veggies second (green beans + carrots)
- Potatoes third (starch after protein + fiber)
- Roll with butter last (fat + flour at the end)
- Cranberry sauce in small bites toward the end of the meal
This order keeps blood sugar steadier and reduces the chance of nerve irritation or chest sensations.
🌤️ My Thanksgiving Meal Timing
I’m doing Thanksgiving dinner at lunchtime this year.
Why?
- I digest earlier meals better
- My energy is higher
- I have time for a walk afterward
- My belly feels calmer with daylight meals
- My nerves stay quieter
Later, for dinner, I’ll enjoy a small slice of pie — nothing huge, nothing triggering.
One meal doesn’t define me. But how I eat that meal absolutely affects how I feel.
🚶 My After-Meal Plan (Super Important!)
After eating, I’ll:
- Take a gentle 10–15 minute walk
- Stay upright for at least 30 minutes
- Sip warm tea (ginger or chamomile)
- Pay attention to my belly, energy, and chest nerves
- Keep the rest of the day light and calm
A walk always resets my digestion — it’s my secret weapon.
💛 My Promise to Myself This Holiday
I’m not here to impress anyone with what’s on my plate.
I’m here to feel good.
This Thanksgiving, I’m choosing:
- Peace
- Stability
- A calm belly
- A clear mind
- A body that trusts me
- A holiday that feels joyful instead of stressful
And if you’re on a healing journey too, I hope this inspires you to create a Thanksgiving that supports your body — not the old patterns.
You’re allowed to choose gentle.
You’re allowed to choose yourself.
And you’re allowed to enter the holiday season without sacrificing your progress.
🍁 Want My Exact Printable Thanksgiving Day Card?
I made a full printable Thanksgiving meal plan card with:
- Food list
- Safe eating order
- My gentle cranberry sauce recipe
- A notes section
- A reminder to walk afterward
Stacey’s New Beginning 
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