Thanksgiving Day Napping Not the Turkey's Fault

If you feel like you need to take a nice, long nap after Thanksgiving, don’t blame it on eating turkey.

Yes, turkey does contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is associated with inducing drowsiness, but that’s not what’s really making us so sleepy.

It’s actually from overeating, according to the American Chemical Society.

When people overeat, blood is diverted from the brain and the rest of the body to the stomach and digestive system. Big helpings of carbohydrates such as those found in bread, yams with marshmallows, and pie lead many people to head for a nap on the couch.

In fact, many people consume more calories during their Thanksgiving meal than they do throughout a typical day.

It’s a good reminder to remember that holidays are wonderful for celebrating but portion control is important.

Avoid Overeating with Portion Control

One way to limit how much you eat is to use your plate as a guide for a balanced meal, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Half of your plate should be reserved for vegetables, a quarter for grains, and a quarter for lean meat or protein, such as turkey.

“Remind yourself that you can always have leftovers the next day and don’t have to eat a little of everything on Thanksgiving,” said Jackie Browning, a Registered Dietitian for Bon Secours Surgical Weight Loss Center.

Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Chemical Society news release

+ Make sure your leftovers are safe to eat. Check out these tips for storage and reheating.

+ How healthy are your meals? Find out with Nutritional Analysis, a program at Bon Secours In Motion where you work with a Registered Dietitian to make sure you’re getting the right nutrients for your body.