Important: Please note that this post was written prior to COVID-19. Please be sure to keep current safety recommendations (like social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand washing) in mind. For more information on how to protect your family from COVID-19, read this post.
Thanksgiving and holiday meals tend to be food-focused. This can be stressful when you or a loved one is on the medical ketogenic diet for the dietary management of intractable epilepsy. However, with KetoCal® and a little extra planning (okay, maybe a lot), you can put together a delicious and keto-friendly holiday feast. Reach out to your ketogenic dietitian far in advance for help putting together a meal that meets your calorie and ratio requirements. Here are some delicious and keto-friendly recipe ideas to get you started.
For Hanukkah recipe Ideas, see our previous post here.
Main Course:
Every family has their own traditions when it comes to main courses for holiday dinners. Whether ham, beef, poultry or fish is served, be mindful of rubs or glazes that may contain carbohydrates. You can use butter or a high-fat sauce to even out the ketogenic ratio. For example, you could create a creamy gravy using heavy cream or Liquigen® (emulsified MCT oil), mixed with chicken or beef bouillon granules.
Most families serve turkey on Thanksgiving. If possible, opt for dark meat since it has a higher fat content. If you’re up for something a little different, consider these turkey dishes that are already in a 3:1 ketogenic ratio:
Side Dishes:
For many, side dishes are the best part of the meal! Here are some tasty and keto-friendly options:
Chef Rachel’s Stuffing (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe)
Chef Rachel’s Green Bean Casserole (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe)
Chef Rachel’s Mashed Fauxtatoes (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe)
Chef Rachel’s Sweet Fauxtatoes (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe)
Cauliflower & Cheese (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe)
Dessert & Treats:
Who could forget the sweetest part? Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly dessert for your holiday feast or holiday cookies to decorate, we’ve got you covered.
Crustless Pumpkin Pie (3:1 recipe)
Chef Rachel’s Apple Crisp (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe)
Basic Cookies (great for decorating with food coloring or “keto sprinkles” (granulated stevia with food coloring)) – (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe)
Gingerbread Cookies (3:1 recipe)
Chef Rachel’s Chocolate Chip Cookie (3:1 ratio)
Crème Brulee (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe, MAD recipe)
Chocolate Ice-cream (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe, MAD recipe)
Vanilla Ice-cream (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe)
Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting (3:1 recipe)
Vanilla Cake Pops (3:1 recipe)
Chocolate Cake Pops (3:1 recipe)
Strawberry Panna Cotta (3:1 recipe, 4:1 recipe, MAD recipe)
Chocolate Candy (2.87:1 recipe)
Chef Rachel’s Easy Chocolate Pudding (3:1 recipe)
For more tips on managing the holidays on the ketogenic diet, see our previous post here.
From all of us at KetoCal, we wish your family a very happy, healthy and tasty holiday season!
KetoCal is a medical food for the dietary management of intractable epilepsy and is intended for use under medical supervision. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if KetoCal is right for you.
The medical ketogenic diet for epilepsy should be used under medical supervision.
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