We hope our American friends/readers, and family had a fantastic Thanksgiving Day. Ours was atypical when this year, I made Tom several dishes he enjoys, along with two roasted turkey breasts. He asked for mashed potatoes with gravy, bread sausage, onion and mushroom stuffing, and the usual green bean casserole, none of which I eat.
My only indulgence was homemade keto pumpkin pie topped with real whipped cream. Otherwise, I had turkey breast and salad, after which I was still hungry. Subsequently, rather than wait a few hours, I had my pie shortly after dinner. Tom enjoyed his Costco pumpkin pie a few hours later.
When I made Tom’s side dishes, I made extra for several future meals. I froze several portions. When the turkey runs out in a few days, we’ll buy other meats he can have with the leftovers. I am having a salad with lots of veggies, diced turkey, and gorgonzola cheese tonight and may repeat this tomorrow night.
Although I didn’t make all the usual side dishes, I still spent considerable time in the little kitchen, chopping and dicing. It’s a relief not to cook for a few days.
Here are a few comments about recharging after the big event for those who indulged in the entire Thanksgiving dinner feeling stuffed and bloated today:
Recovering After a Thanksgiving Feast: A Journey of Gratitude, Rest, and Reset
Thanksgiving dinner is more than just a meal. It’s a glorious, belly-filling celebration of abundance, family, and tradition. But let’s be honest: after the turkey’s been carved, the mashed potatoes demolished, and the pies devoured, we’re often left in a state of culinary aftermath. It’s not regrettable, exactly. After all, we live for these moments, but the sensation of overindulgence is real.
So, how do we recover after eating Thanksgiving dinner? The process isn’t just about soothing an overstuffed stomach; it’s a chance to reflect, reset, and gently guide ourselves back to equilibrium.
1. The Art of the Digestive Pause
First, let’s acknowledge the truth: digestion is work. After a Thanksgiving feast, your body is like an overbooked restaurant kitchen—working overtime to process that mountain of food. One of the kindest things you can do is pause and give it space to catch up.
For a reason, a slow, meandering walk after dinner is a time-honored tradition. While you might feel like collapsing into a couch cushion, a gentle stroll can help stimulate digestion without taxing your body. Bundled up against the November chill, this walk offers a perfect opportunity to share laughs and stories with loved ones or savor the quiet glow of the evening.
2. The Hydration Reset
Thanksgiving feasts are notoriously salty, such as gravy, stuffing, and casseroles, and even turkey brings its sodium A-game. While that’s part of their irresistible charm, it can leave you feeling bloated and dehydrated.
Water is your best friend here. Sipping warm water with lemon or herbal tea like ginger or peppermint can work wonders. These liquids soothe the digestive system, combat the meal’s richness, and gently rehydrate your body. Plus, a mug of something warm feels like an extension of the meal’s comfort without the weight of another slice of pie.
3. The Nap Dilemma
Ah, the infamous post-meal nap. Turkey often gets the blame for our sleepiness due to its tryptophan content. Still, the reality is simpler: when you eat a large, carb-heavy meal, your body redirects blood flow to your digestive system, making you drowsy.
If you must nap, make it short—a 20-minute power nap can help you feel refreshed without plunging into the groggy depths of a sleep cycle. For those who stay awake, embrace the cozy magic of Thanksgiving evening: sink into the couch with a favorite movie, engage in board games, or scroll through family photos while nursing your food coma.
4. Reflecting on Gratitude
As your body works through its turkey-and-stuffing to-do list, take a moment to reflect on the spirit of Thanksgiving. Gratitude is like a balm for the mind, helping shift focus from feelings of overindulgence to appreciation for the meal and the moments surrounding it.
Think about the effort that went into the feast—whether you were the chef or savored the fruits of someone else’s labor. Consider the laughter across the table, the traditions upheld, and the love shared. These thoughts, light as they are, can make the fullness in your belly feel a little more bearable.
5. The Gentle Morning After
The morning after Thanksgiving can be a mix of sensations: lingering fullness, slight sluggishness, and a fridge filled with leftovers calling your name. Starting your day gently is key.
Begin with something light and hydrating, like a piece of fruit, a smoothie, or yogurt with a sprinkle of granola. While leftovers are tempting for breakfast, saving them for later in the day gives your body a chance to reset.
Movement can help too—whether it’s a yoga session, a brisk walk, or even stretching on your living room floor. This movement doesn’t have to be about “working off” the meal; it’s about restoring energy and helping your body find its rhythm again.
6. Revisiting Leftovers with Intention
Speaking of leftovers, let’s give them the respect they deserve. Thanksgiving leftovers are not just food but an extension of the celebration. But instead of diving headfirst into another heavy plate, approach them with balance in mind.
Pair rich dishes with lighter fare—think a salad with shredded turkey or roasted veggies alongside a smaller slice of pie. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without overwhelming your system all over again.
7. A Reminder to Be Gentle with Yourself
It’s easy to feel a twinge of guilt after a Thanksgiving feast, especially if you ate more than you planned. But here’s the thing: food is meant to be enjoyed, and Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate abundance in all its forms. A single day of indulgence doesn’t undo your health or habits; it often reminds us of the joy and connection that food brings.
Instead of dwelling on how much you ate, focus on how much you enjoyed. Thanksgiving isn’t about restraint. It’s about embracing the fullness of life in every sense of the word.
8. Carrying the Spirit Forward
Finally, as you recover, think about how you can carry the gratitude and warmth of Thanksgiving into the days that follow. Small acts of mindfulness can extend the holiday’s magic, whether it’s sharing leftovers with neighbors, calling a family member you missed, or simply journaling about the day.
In the end, recovering from a Thanksgiving feast is less about undoing the meal and more about embracing it fully—its flavors, emotions, and memories, and finding your way back to balance with gratitude and care.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 29, 2014:
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