Holidays are a time filled with joy, wonderful decorations, and foods that are high in fat. If you have gallstones and follow a gallbladder diet, then you might wonder what to cook or what to eat during the holidays besides poached chicken with rice. The good news is that you can enjoy flavorful and festive meals while following a gallbladder diet.
In this guide you will find appetizers, a main dish, a few side dishes, a salad dressing, and a few dessert options that are gallbladder-diet-friendly meals.
I created this guide from real experience. I worked as a nurse in the gastro department, and I used that knowledge while creating these recipes. I also tested every recipe on myself, since I have gallstones too. With every recipe I include portion suggestions so that you can safely enjoy these recipes too.
Before we start talking about gallbladder diet recipes, I would like you to know that a gallbladder diet is not only about avoiding certain foods or eating low-fat meals. There are many things related to lifestyle and the way you are eating. Here are my tips on surviving the holidays with gallstones.
I know that a gallbladder diet can feel restrictive, sometimes boring, and that holidays can feel extra tough. Luckily, there are ways that you can enjoy flavorful food that feels festive and delicious. While I was developing these holiday recipes for a gallbladder diet, I used my knowledge that I gathered while working as a nurse in the gastro department, and my own personal experience with gallstones. You should be able to enjoy these recipes without any issues if you portion them smart (smaller portions) and follow the tips I shared above.
Hummus without Tahini
Hummus without tahini is one of my favorite snacks or appetizers during the holidays, or in general. It is creamy and made without oil or tahini. I would eat about one tablespoon of Hummus with a few carrot or celery sticks in between meals. This way I do not shock my gallbladder when it comes to lunch or dinner.
Turkey Pot Roast
Turkey Pot Roast is one of the best main dishes when it comes to enjoying a holiday meal with gallstones. You will want to use boneless and skinless turkey breast (do not use the preseasoned ones), or you can substitute turkey breast with boneless and skinless chicken breast. The covered pot allows the turkey and vegetables to steam gently in their own juices, which makes the meat tender and keeps the dish low in fat. In the last few minutes, you broil the top to add a little crunch. Turkey Pot Roast is a one-pot meal where you get juicy meat and flavorful vegetables. When it comes time for the meal, I usually eat one to two thin slices of turkey breast and a spoonful of the roasted vegetables per meal.
Turkey Gravy
Gravy is one of the must-haves when it comes to holiday meals, but usually it is too heavy and too high in fat to enjoy if you have gallstones. After analyzing a bunch of gravies, I realized that I could create a gallbladder-diet-friendly gravy. Gravy is made from the drippings and the juices that meat releases while it is roasting, and this is the base. In my Turkey Pot Roast, the covered pot allows the turkey and vegetables to steam gently in their own juices, and during this process there will be flavorful leftover juice with a small amount of drippings. This creates a low-fat base for a gravy, and all you have to do is add flour and a bit of water to create a gallbladder-diet-safe gravy. When it is time for a meal, I drizzle one to two teaspoons of gravy over my plate. It is enough for me to enjoy it without upsetting my gallbladder.
Turkey Stuffing
Turkey Stuffing is another must-have for the holiday table. No matter how delicious it is, it can really put strain on your gallbladder. After some thinking, I came up with a gallbladder-diet-safe Turkey Stuffing. It has a sweet flavor with a hint of zesty notes and a touch of sage. I did not make it with stock or broth because they contain fat and can make it harder to digest. This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing pairs well with roasted turkey or chicken breast, and you can serve it alongside my Turkey Pot Roast. When it comes to meal time, I eat one spoonful of the stuffing per meal.
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is another holiday classic, but it is not gallbladder-diet friendly because of fried onions and cream soup. The good news is that green beans are good for the gallbladder, and with a few adjustments you can enjoy this dish. This Green Bean Casserole is creamy, flavorful, completely holiday ready, and gallbladder-diet friendly. When it comes to meal time, I eat one spoonful of the casserole per meal.
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No Mayo Ranch Salad Dressing
When it comes to holidays, there is almost always a side salad. With salads, the trickiest part is the dressing because many of them are made with a lot of oil or other high-fat ingredients. I love ranch dressing, and I created a version without mayo that will not trigger your gallstones. I drizzle one teaspoon of the dressing over my salad. If you do not like ranch dressing, you can drizzle a bit of lemon juice or vinegar over the salad, or simply enjoy it without any dressing.
Easy Dessert Options for a Gallbladder Diet
Holidays are also some of the sweetest days, and a paradise for a sweet tooth like me. However, most desserts, cookies, and sweets are unfortunately high in fat and not really gallbladder-diet friendly.
As one sweet tooth to another, here are my favorite sweets to enjoy during the holidays:
In this blog post I shared a few holiday side options that you can serve with turkey roast or chicken breast roast. If you decide to make all of them, be mindful of portions. Usually I eat Green Bean Casserole for lunch, and then Turkey Stuffing for dinner. This way I can enjoy both without overstressing my gallbladder. If you would like to enjoy both in one meal, serve about half a spoonful of each side per meal. This will help you enjoy everything without overstressing your gallbladder.
I hope you find this guide on enjoying the holidays with a gallbladder diet helpful. Remember not to overeat, enjoy smaller portions, and take a walk after your meals. Holidays often revolve around food, but they are also about being together with the people we love. Happy Holidays!
This guide is based on my personal experience with gallstones and my nursing background, but it’s not medical advice. Always check with your doctor or dietitian before making changes to your diet.
