Happy Thanksgiving, surrogates! As you join around the table with friends and family this holiday season, you’ll have plenty of food choices in front of you. Make sure these four land on your plate:

1) Turkey

Contrary to what you may have heard, turkey is a “go” for surrogates. The big worry is usually with deli meats, which most people don’t cook before eating. As long as your turkey is cooked properly, it’s safe to eat. It will provide you with roughly half of your protein needs for the day and a host of other vitamins and minerals. Turkey is also linked with lower cholesterol, better brain function, and reduced cancer risk, so dig in!

2) Sweet Potatoes

Often called one of the healthiest foods in the world, sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, and more. They have properties that can reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support your immune system, plus they are loaded with antioxidants.

3) Mixed Nuts

If your family keeps mixed nuts out prior to the meal, have a handful. Most unsalted nuts come loaded with Omega 3s, which are great for your brain and the baby’s. They’re also a good source of protein and come packed with other vitamins and minerals. This can keep you satiated, so you’re less likely to overindulge in dinner, which means less risk of getting heartburn.

4) Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin is loaded with nutritious things. It’s full of fiber, can boost your immunity, is good for eye health, may decrease diabetes risk, and can reduce cancer risk, according to WebMD. Plus, even the canned version is mostly water, so you get relatively few calories, lots of nutrition, and a whole bunch of seasonal yumminess.

A Few Things to Avoid…

Even though the focus of this page is on things you can eat, there are a few things worth mentioning that you shouldn’t eat.

  • Unpasteurized Foods- Homemade sauces, unpasteurized cider, homemade ice cream, certain cheeses, cookie dough, eggnog, etc. all have the potential to make you ill because they contain things like raw eggs or may be contaminated with salmonella or listeria. If you want to indulge in any of these things, make sure the food has been pasteurized to kill bacteria. If you’re unsure, don’t risk it.
  • Stuffing- When stuffing is cooked inside the turkey, it doesn’t always reach a temperature high enough to kill bacteria. Check the temperature yourself and make sure it hits 165-180 degrees F. You can also cook some in a separate pan or microwave yours to make sure it hits the right temp if you want to partake.
  • Leftovers and Meat Trays- Bacterial contamination is a major worry with leftover turkey and meat trays that sit out. It’s best to avoid the trays altogether. You can indulge in leftover turkey, but be sure to heat it up well enough to kill bacteria first.

Join the Surrogates at SPS

If you’re not already working with an agency, let Surrogate Parenting Services guide your way. We match surrogates with intended parents and make sure everything from legal details to medical concerns are covered, so you stay protected and can focus on enjoying your pregnancy. Check out our information for surrogates and reach out to us when you’re ready to take the first step.