> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.pigpen.page/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # November 2026 - URL: https://www.pigpen.page/november-2026/ - Published: 2026-11-06T08:13:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-06T08:12:59.000Z - Description: Kevin Alexander receives the 2026 Sheila Jones Award, I've refreshed my low protein Thanksgiving and Christmas tips, and Headway explains how to fight the brain injury winter slump. Plus: recipes to practice now before the holidays. - Author: Pauline - Tags: News, Recipes, PKU, Newsletter ## PKU news ### Kevin Alexander wins deserved recognition [Kevin Alexander is a US-based advocate for PKU](https://pkujournal.com/?ref=pigpen.page) and received the [2026 Sheila Jones Award at the ESPKU ](https://www.espku.org/2026/10/28/kevin-alexander-receives-the-2026-sheila-jones-award/?ref=pigpen.page)in October. Kevin has been speaking and sharing information about PKU for 15 years, starting at a time when few others were sharing their story. He is an inspiration to many advocates, myself included. Many congratulations Kevin! ### Thinking ahead to Christmas Usually, I groan when the Christmas decorations come out right after Halloween. However, planning ahead with PKU can take the stress out of the holidays. I’ve dusted off my article with [tips and links for PKU at Christmas](https://www.pigpen.page/pku-at-christmas/). **Plus: Low protein books for the Christmas gift list.** [Low Protein books for PKU, rare disease gift ideas, free giftA selection of low protein books for adults and children. Gift ideas for those new to PKU and inherited metabolic disorders. Plus, a free gift for subscribers.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/67/5e/675e2faa-5154-4452-8625-c3fad84083c5/content/images/icon/pigpen-logo-tx-background-2-d031d61d-e081-4b26-a234-1f2e3ab0e005.png)PigPen | Pauline O'ConnorPauline![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/67/5e/675e2faa-5154-4452-8625-c3fad84083c5/content/images/thumbnail/PKU-Books-1-62a18256-78b7-4c63-97a7-1f789c147be8.jpg)](https://www.pigpen.page/low-protein-books/) ### Tips for eating out with PKU As silly season looms, a reminder that I’ve gathered my tips for [managing events with PKU here](https://www.pigpen.page/eating-out-with-pku/). **Includes a template email** you can use when booking with a restaurant or caterer — remember to ask your PKU dietician to adjust it before you send it. ## Brain news ### Fatigue and the winter slump Fatigue is common after a brain injury, and it can affect mood and drain energy. Combined with the nights drawing in and low light levels, fatigue can cause significant problems during the winter months. Headway UK has [a guide to help fight this winter slump](https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/tips-and-advice/fatigue-after-brain-injury-fighting-the-winter-slump/?ref=pigpen.page). ### 18-29 year olds needed for brain research The University of Southampton has put out a call for 18-29 year olds who have had a brain injury and are willing to discuss their social and emotional experiences. [Click here to find out more.](https://southampton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV%5Faf7wS6moHrb3Fxc?ref=pigpen.page) ## PigPen news & recipes ### An absolute blast in Japan. This email is slightly late as I spent Halloween in Tokyo and am still recovering from the jet lag. Navigating Japan with a severe protein restriction was not easy, but it was manageable. I’m planning some blogs and videos once I’ve recovered, until then here is a delicious vegetable tempura I found in Kanazawa: ![Vegetable tempura in Kanazawa, Japan](https://storage.ghost.io/c/67/5e/675e2faa-5154-4452-8625-c3fad84083c5/content/images/2026/11/199275C6-A7DA-45D7-8DBF-2BC682624D07_1_105_c-1.jpeg) Vegetable tempura in Kanazawa, Japan ### Recipes: Trial runs for Christmas [Mushroom & jackfruit wellingtons, low protein, PKU, ChristmasThis recipe makes four individual, low protein Wellingtons. They are great for Christmas or Thanksgiving, yet are so easy that I’ve been making them as a mid-week dinner.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/67/5e/675e2faa-5154-4452-8625-c3fad84083c5/content/images/icon/pigpen-logo-tx-background-2-8735f9ad-6c35-4e45-9846-c58531861a15.png)PigPen | Pauline O'ConnorPauline![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/67/5e/675e2faa-5154-4452-8625-c3fad84083c5/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0056-1-eb51dada-8737-487b-97b2-270b0e9c0a8b.jpg)](https://www.pigpen.page/mushroom-jackfruit-wellingtons/) I will probably have both the wellingtons and the cookies for Christmas again this year, and a chilly November weekend is the perfect time to give the recipes a trial run. It means you have time to practice before the rush of the holiday season. [Low protein PKU Ginger and chocolate chip cookies, easy.Delicious, chewy ginger and chocolate cookies with an orange hint. These are low protein and protein-free options for PKU and other restricted diets.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/67/5e/675e2faa-5154-4452-8625-c3fad84083c5/content/images/icon/pigpen-logo-tx-background-2-79a06b35-ccae-4a54-8b99-69f5f1cd0558.png)PigPen | Pauline O'ConnorPauline![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/67/5e/675e2faa-5154-4452-8625-c3fad84083c5/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_1301-1-1-59257244-bdca-4651-b657-b3761ab1a0ca.jpg)](https://www.pigpen.page/ginger-and-dark-chocolate-cookies/) ## Spread the word If you find value in my newsletters, please share them. You can [find my books](https://www.pigpen.page/books/) at all major retailers. Your support means a lot, and your feedback shapes what comes next. Do get in touch! Cheers, Pauline Newsletter #55