Holiday gatherings: managing stress and meals

The holidays can be a joyful time of year, but they also bring stress and challenges — more so with an ostomy. With some preparation, holiday meals and gatherings are absolutely manageable.

Food choices

• Choose foods that are well tolerated, and avoid what's caused problems before

• Easily digestible options work well — turkey, mashed potatoes, rice, cooked vegetables

• Avoid very spicy or overly greasy food, which is harder to digest

• Be cautious with high-fiber foods, which can cause gas or blockages. If you want fiber-rich vegetables, peel and cook them to make them more digestible

• Limit gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage and carbonated drinks if they've caused discomfort in the past

At the table

• Watch portion sizes. Several small portions through the day are easier on your digestive system than one large meal.

• Chew thoroughly. Chewing well aids digestion and helps prevent blockages.

• Eat mindfully. A relaxed pace prevents overeating and improves digestion.

• Take breaks between courses to give your digestive system time to process, and enjoy the company.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, especially alongside salty or rich food. Alcohol is dehydrating — take it in moderation.

Ahead of the gathering

• Share your dietary needs with your host. Most people are understanding and happy to accommodate.

• Bring a dish you know you can eat, and share it with others.

Plan ahead for the season

Start early. Make a checklist of essential supplies, and make sure you have enough pouches, accessories and medications to last through the holidays. Schedule any check-ups or consultations with your provider before things get busy.

Manage stress

Practice stress-reduction techniques — deep breathing, meditation, yoga. Get enough rest and prioritize self-care. A massage or spa treatment isn't indulgent; it's maintenance.

Ostomy resources

UOAA for support, advocacy, educational materials and forums. Ostomy 101 for lifestyle information. OstomyLife for community, articles, personal stories and product reviews. And Corstrata for remote consultations with a certified ostomy nurse specialist, seven days a week, secure and HIPAA compliant — troubleshooting, pouching system and accessory selection, sample supplies from national manufacturers, and procedures such as colostomy irrigation.