Thanksgiving on a GLP-1. Enjoy it, and feel good after.

1. 1Don't skip breakfast to save roomArriving very hungry makes it easy to eat past full, which on a GLP-1 often ends in nausea. Have a small protein breakfast: eggs, Greek yogurt or a protein shake.
2. 2Build your plate in orderTurkey first (a palm-sized portion has about 25 g of protein), then green beans, salad or roasted vegetables, then a spoonful or two of the sides you love most. A smaller plate helps.
3. 3Eat slowly and stop at the first sign of fullnessPut your fork down between bites. The "full" signal comes sooner and stronger on these medicines, and eating past it is the most common reason holiday meals end badly.
4. 4Go easy on rich and fried foodGravy, buttery sides, fried food and heavy desserts are the usual triggers for nausea and reflux. Have a taste rather than a plate; a few bites of pie count.
5. 5Be careful with alcoholAlcohol can make nausea worse, and with diabetes medicines it can bring your blood sugar down. If you drink, have less than you used to, with food, and water in between.
6. 6Take a short walk afterTen to fifteen minutes of walking after the meal helps digestion and how you feel. Bring the family.
7. 7Keep your usual dose dayDon't move or skip a dose for the holiday unless your prescriber tells you to. If a dose slipped while you were busy or traveling, check what your label says. Missed-dose check.

What to say when someone pushes seconds

• "It's delicious. I'm full, but could I take some home?"
• "I'll have a little taste, I'm pacing myself today."
• "I've already had seconds of the turkey." (Protein first counts.)
• "I'm eating smaller portions these days, and I feel great." (You don't owe anyone the details.)

Get urgent care for severe stomach pain that won't go away (it may spread to your back), or vomiting so you can't keep fluids down. Eating guidance is general, based on the 2025 GLP-1 nutrition advisory; it isn't medical advice.