The post-Thanksgiving food coma is a phenomenon many of us have experienced, but few are prepared for the science behind it. According to Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist at Harvard Medical School, one common sight after Thanksgiving meals is people stumbling into the hospital with food stuck in their throats.
So, what's the secret to avoiding this dreaded food coma? For starters, Pasricha suggests getting some exercise before your big meal. Yes, you read that right – working out can actually help your digestive system function more efficiently. This might sound counterintuitive, but trust her on it: exercise primes your GI system and releases endorphins, which can buffer against family stress and emotional ups and downs.
It's also crucial to eat mindfully, rather than stuffing yourself like a turkey (pun intended). Instead of gorging on a single meal, try the "grazing" method. Eat appetizers throughout the day leading up to Thanksgiving dinner, so you're not famished when you sit down to enjoy your feast.
When it comes to building your plate, Pasricha advises focusing on vegetables and protein first – at least half of your plate should be filled with these nutrient-dense foods. This helps you feel full sooner, reducing the likelihood of overeating later on. Save the rich, carb-heavy dishes like mac and cheese and sweet potatoes for last; they're part of the treat, not the main course.
Another crucial aspect to consider is drinking: avoiding alcohol before your meal can help speed up digestion, while having a small glass after dinner won't negatively impact your eating experience.
Finally, Pasricha stresses the importance of getting some fresh air and moving around after your meal – even a 10-15 minute walk can do wonders for dissolving intestinal gas.
As she so eloquently puts it: "Thanksgiving is not about overeating; it's about enjoying life with family."
So, what's the secret to avoiding this dreaded food coma? For starters, Pasricha suggests getting some exercise before your big meal. Yes, you read that right – working out can actually help your digestive system function more efficiently. This might sound counterintuitive, but trust her on it: exercise primes your GI system and releases endorphins, which can buffer against family stress and emotional ups and downs.
It's also crucial to eat mindfully, rather than stuffing yourself like a turkey (pun intended). Instead of gorging on a single meal, try the "grazing" method. Eat appetizers throughout the day leading up to Thanksgiving dinner, so you're not famished when you sit down to enjoy your feast.
When it comes to building your plate, Pasricha advises focusing on vegetables and protein first – at least half of your plate should be filled with these nutrient-dense foods. This helps you feel full sooner, reducing the likelihood of overeating later on. Save the rich, carb-heavy dishes like mac and cheese and sweet potatoes for last; they're part of the treat, not the main course.
Another crucial aspect to consider is drinking: avoiding alcohol before your meal can help speed up digestion, while having a small glass after dinner won't negatively impact your eating experience.
Finally, Pasricha stresses the importance of getting some fresh air and moving around after your meal – even a 10-15 minute walk can do wonders for dissolving intestinal gas.
As she so eloquently puts it: "Thanksgiving is not about overeating; it's about enjoying life with family."
Food coma got you down 
? I'm all about that mindful eating 
! So, my fave tip from Dr. Pasricha is to graze all day leading up to the big feast 
. Eat those veggies and protein first 
️, then you'll be less likely to overdo it on the mashed potatoes 
(save those for last, btw 
). Exercise before dinner can also help your tummy 
. And don't even get me started on fresh air 
– take a short walk after dinner and watch that food coma disappear 
! It's all about balance and enjoying life with the fam 
. #MindfulEating #FoodComaFighter #ThanksgivingTips
But what really blew my mind was the exercise thing. Like, seriously? Working out beforehand can actually help you digest better? That makes so much sense! I always get so anxious before the big meal and eat way too fast... maybe I should try doing a few laps around the block first next year 
. And the grazing thing is genius - I never thought about eating appetizers all day leading up to Thanksgiving dinner, but that's actually pretty logical now that I think about it 
. Maybe this year I'll be more mindful and enjoy my food a bit more... less stuffing myself into a turkey coma 
And yeah, grazing throughout the day makes total sense. I hate when you sit down to dinner and just start shoveling everything in 
.
.
Plus, focusing on veggies and protein first makes sense - I don't want to be regretting those extra helpings of stuffing afterwards 
. And getting some fresh air after eating? That's just common sense! A short walk outside would do wonders for feeling better. 
Focusing on veggies and protein first makes so much sense - it's all about balance, right? And avoiding booze before mealtime is a must for me... I don't need any extra gut issues thank you very much 
. Getting some fresh air and moving around after dinner is like, the ultimate reset button