Thanksgiving is often a wonderful day filled with family, fellowship and, of course, delicious food. You might already be looking forward to seeing your loved ones and dreaming about creamy mashed potatoes and turkey goodness. But if you’re not, and you’re feeling anxious about the holiday, you’re not alone.
It’s understandable that you may be nervous to travel or see your relatives, and it’s understandable that you may be nervous about the actual meal, too. A day centered on food and booze can present a major challenge for those who are trying to reach certain health goals without subscribing to diet culture. This year, instead of feeling guilty or anxious, try these five strategies for a healthier, less-stressful Thanksgiving holiday.
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1. Avoid the uncomfortable food coma
Ever wondered why you get so lethargic and tired after eating Thanksgiving dinner? There are actually a few reasons why — and no, turkey isn’t to blame.
CNET
Tryptophan, a large amino acid that is known to cause sleepiness, is indeed found in turkey, but this link is more complicated than it seems. We already have high amounts of tryptophan in the bloodstream, which is converted to serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for making you feel tired, in the brain. But the levels of tryptophan in turkey alone aren’t enough to make you drowsy. Tryptophan’s effect is multiplied when your insulin is higher. This means that foods with a high glycemic index such as starchy carbohydrates — like potatoes, stuffing and sugary desserts — are really the culprit. If you just eat turkey by itself, you shouldn’t run into any issues.
The digestion process itself can also be to blame. There’s a known myth that blood is diverted from the brain to the gut after overeating, but this actually isn’t true. Instead, our gut hormones are apt to secrete hormones like melatonin and orexin to intentionally make us sleepy after we eat a big meal. Our gut also plays a role in activating our vagus nerve, putting us in a state of
Prioritize Your Mental Health and Nutrition This Thanksgiving With These Tips
