Thanksgiving is about one thing, and one thing only: indulgence. Well, not entirely, but that has been the primary focus of the holiday for many, many years. As such, many people feel bloated after cramming as much turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, Mac n cheese, and more on their plates. It makes sense that people would feel sluggish and bloated after consuming upwards of 3,000 calories in one meal. 

It’s no secret that people are eager to feast on Thanksgiving. Although the food, company, football, and family bickering is wonderful, the day can be quite taxing on the digestive system. Fear not, though, because we have some helpful tips that can promote better digestion on the big day. The day is about love and gratitude, and you should not feel any stress, especially digestive stress, during the festivities. Continue reading to learn about five tips that aid digestion. 

Stay Hydrated

Just so everyone is clear, you should always drink water throughout the day. It is an integral step to preventing dehydration, but it also helps regulate bowel movements by encouraging better digestive function. Many studies indicate that inadequate hydration increases the risk of obesity or elevated body mass index (BMI). On the morning of Thanksgiving, start your day with a tall glass of lemon water to help increase the production of hydrochloric acid (HCL). Stomach secretions are made up of HCL and digestive enzymes that help the body digest and absorb nutrients from food. 

Movement

You need to move if you want things to move, if you catch our drift. Finding the right movement for your body can help you avoid joint pain, improve cardiovascular health, and improve digestion. One of the easiest things to do to promote better digestion at the big meal is to take a walk with family or friends about 15 minutes after eating. Research shows that daily walking can help reduce bloating, balance blood sugar after a meal, and aid the digestive process. If you want to avoid bloating the night of Thanksgiving, consider doing a quick yoga session, as certain poses, such as bridge pose, child’s pose, supine twist, and camel pose, can help the digestive process. 

Consider A Probiotic

Your gut microbiome is home to trillions of microbes that are necessary for digestion, immune function, and overall health. These microbes aid in the absorption of essential nutrients, in addition to helping the body break down food. When you have a higher presence of good bacteria in the gut, your digestive system functions better, and you feel better. Probiotics can help ease the discomfort that comes with bloating and gas. Just remember that every person is different, so the probiotic you take may not be right for someone else. Keep in mind that you can also enjoy probiotic foods, such as kimchi, miso, natto, kombucha, sauerkraut, and more. 

Eat Mindfully

This is easier said than done on a day of indulgence. Most people look forward to specific Thanksgiving dishes all year, which makes self-control that much more difficult. Not to mention, everyone around you is most likely piling on the food. In order to support digestion, try your best to practice mindful eating habits during the Thanksgiving feast. To do this, chew your food  slowly, savor each bite, and take breaks between servings. As a quick reminder, you can enjoy your favorite foods, but consider avoiding other ones that you don’t care about to avoid extra carbs and calories. 

Eat A Fiber-Rich Breakfast

Believe it or not, what you eat to start your day can set your digestion up for success. A lot of people try not to eat anything all day leading up to the giant meal. The idea behind that strategy is to enter the meal on empty in order to cram as much food in the belly as possible. Well, that doesn’t do your digestive system any good, to be honest. Set yourself up for better digestion by enjoying a fiber-rich breakfast, which will most likely encourage a bowel movement prior to the big meal. Enjoy a fruit and vegetable smoothie, a bowl of oatmeal, overnight oats, chia pudding, and smoothie bowls. 

We hope you enjoy yourself on Thanksgiving and that you keep these useful digestive tips in mind. Don’t overthink it! 

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Do you stuff your face with as much food as possible on Thanksgiving Day? If yes, you are not alone, but all that eating can put a lot of stress on the digestive system, in addition to other systems and organs in the body. Thanksgiving food is typically high in fats (more saturated than not), dairy products, sugar, salt, and packaged products. Fortunately for you, there are thoughtful Thanksgiving portion control tips that allow you to savor the dishes you want without overindulging. 

Why Does Portion Control Matter?

Sure, most people let themselves succumb to every temptation at the Thanksgiving feast. High-calorie dishes like mashed potatoes, buttery stuffing, dense pumpkin and pecan pies, oily ham, and so much more fill the table. It is perfectly fine to indulge in your favorite dishes, but excessive overeating can lead to bloating, stomach discomfort, and overall setbacks to your health goals. By practicing portion control, you can enjoy the holidays and family without derailing your health. 

Begin The Day With A Balanced Breakfast

That’s right, folks, portion control begins before any of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes are even made. Start the day on the right track by making a balanced breakfast. Opt for a fruit and vegetable smoothie, chia pudding, overnight oats, or plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and almond butter. 

Examine The Spread Before Grabbing A Plate

Before you grab a plate and begin your mission of eating, go over to the spread and give it a good scan. Identify your “must-have” dishes and locate the ones you can live without. That strategy will help you focus on enjoying your favorite dishes without eating unnecessary calories from dishes you are iffy about. 

Use A Small Plate

According to dietary research, using a smaller plate can help you naturally eat less while still feeling satiated. By using a smaller plate, you force yourself to be more mindful about your portions and food choices. It also reduces the temptation to overfill the plate. It just takes a little more effort on your part to avoid returning to the buffet table over and over again.

Employ “The Plate” Method

This method involves some simple calculations on your part when filling your plate. Keep half of your plate available for vegetables (not including potatoes), a quarter for starches or grains, and a quarter for lean protein. Filling your plate in this way ensures that you will enjoy a balanced meal with plenty of nutrients that support portion control. 

Practice Portion Awareness

Are there spoonfuls of dishes on Thanksgiving, or is everything served in piles? It is very easy to underestimate portion sizes, especially with rich Thanksgiving classics. One serving of turkey should be as big as a deck of cards. A serve of mashed potatoes should look like a half-cup measuring cup. 

Stay Hydrated

Water is a necessary part of life, but it is especially helpful on Thanksgiving Day. The reason to ensure proper hydration is to help you feel fuller and prevent overeating. Additionally, sufficient water intake helps optimize digestive function. Before you go back to the buffet for a second helping, drink a full glass of water. 

Choose Your Favorite Dessert

Most Thanksgiving desserts are often irresistible, but that doesn’t mean you have to sample them all. You probably know what most desserts taste like, so choose your favorite dessert and savor every bite. Either that or consider choosing two desserts in moderation. Maybe a relative or friend wants to split a dessert and that’ll work in your favor!

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This vibrant vegan pesto made with broccoli stems offers a refreshing twist on an old classic sauce (pesto) while reducing kitchen waste. We say this because people typically discard broccoli stems and only focus on using the florets. The stems offer valuable nutrients and taste incredible, whether you blend them into a pesto, shred them for slaws, or cook them in stir-fries. This recipes calls for blending broccoli stems with basil, garlic, lemon, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and a handful of seasonings to create a naturally creamy pesto that balances earthiness with subtle sweetness. This smooth, green pesto adheres beautifully to zoodles, spreads easily on sandwiches, or works as a tasty dip for fresh vegetables.

Using broccoli stems in pesto also invites a pleasant yet mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the aromatic basil. They have a firm yet tender texture once you peel them, and they give the sauce body without the need for cheese. That makes this recipe an easy vegan, and even raw vegan, staple for future cooking. Due to the relatively light flavor of the stems, they pair especially well with citrusy ingredients, allowing the fresh lemon juice to brighten the pesto without creating a bitter flavor.

Broccoli stems themselves are generally under-appreciated in most kitchens. They are rich in fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer, and they also contain many of the same nutrients found in the florets, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Because people typically discard the stems, using them helps reduce food waste while simultaneously stretching your grocery budget. Maybe now that you have this recipe, you can figure out more ways to incorporate them into other recipes you make in the future.

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Most people deal with a gut-related issue at some point during their lifetime. Gut issues can include bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, or more serious issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leaky gut syndrome, or something more serious. Eating a more nutritious diet can help mitigate a lot of common gut issues that stem from poor eating habits. While this smoothie will not solve your gut issues, it is a great place to start, as it contains ingredients that promote a healthy gut.

Leaky gut syndrome is not technically accepted as a formal medical diagnosis, but it is popular in lay literature. Many gastrointestinal symptoms are ascribed to leaky gut, such as distension, diarrhea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. Healing foods may help alleviate some of these issues, while promoting better gut function in the process. This smoothie is brimming with more nutritious than an average meal in the Standard American Diet. It contains spinach, kale, homemade almond milk, avocado, banana, ginger, hemp hearts, chia seeds, and more!

The mix of bananas and grade A maple syrup naturally sweetens this smoothie. The leafy greens provide vitamins K, A, and C, in addition to magnesium, iron, and fiber. The chia seeds and hemp hearts are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote brain and heart health. Additionally, those two ingredients are naturally rich in fiber, which helps keep you full for longer. Drink this smoothie for breakfast and you won’t need to snack unnecessarily before lunch. It’s such a great way to start your day!

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Whether you use fresh or canned pumpkin, incorporating pumpkin into your meals is never a bad idea. That is especially true when pumpkins are plentiful during fall. Even the seeds, which you should not throw away after scooping out the stringy flesh, offer beneficial nutrients. The actual pumpkin flesh, though, is one of the richest sources of beta-carotene and contains other nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids, copper, potassium, iron, and more. 

What Is Pumpkin?

The pumpkin is considered one of  the oldest domesticated plants. Historians suspect that tribes native to North America grew them since at least 5,000 BCE. Pumpkin is technically a fruit, but people commonly think of it as a vegetable. Fruits are edible, seed-bearing, flowering plants, which makes all squash fruits. The pumpkin is technically a winter squash that comes from the Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita maxima plants. It is related to watermelon, zucchini, and cucumber, among other fruits and vegetables. The entire pumpkin, minus the string flesh and skin, is edible.

Pumpkin flesh and seeds are rich in a wide variety of nutrients. They contain everything from zinc and vitamin A to healthy fats and fiber. We hope that you don’t reserve pumpkins just for carving this year and that you enjoy them for all their health benefits. If you choose to use canned pumpkin, make sure it is 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. The former is real pumpkin, while the latter is rich in processed ingredients, added sugars, and unhealthy oils. Continue reading to learn why you should eat more pumpkin. 

May Help Regulate Blood Pressure

A one-cup serving of cooked pumpkin provides more than 12% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte found in bananas, avocados, squash, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables. Most adults lack sufficient potassium in their diets, which is a shame since potassium may help regulate blood pressure. It works to counteract the effects of sodium, which most Americans consume in excess regularly. Additionally, the fiber in pumpkin may help promote healthy cholesterol levels, which lowers the risk of heart disease. 

Provides Manganese And Copper

These two minerals may not receive as much attention as other nutrients, but they are integral to overall health. Manganese helps protect against bone density loss and fractures. The anti-inflammatory properties of manganese may also help encourage optimal metabolic, joint, and brain health. Copper, on the other hand, helps promote the formation of hemoglobin and collagen. It also aids with the synthesis of enzymes and proteins involved with respiration, energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis. 

Helps Maintain Healthy Vision

Pumpkin’s vibrant orange color is attributed to the impressive beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and essential for maintaining healthy vision as you age. Several studies indicate that beta-carotene may help lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, two common age-related causes of vision loss. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two other carotenoids in pumpkins and they work to protect the eyes from oxidative stress and UV light. 

Supports Healthy Skin

Pumpkins contain vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to zinc, all of which contribute to healthier skin. Vitamin C works to enhance collagen production and improve skin elasticity, which helps reduce the signs of aging. Zinc aids inflammation reduction and may help people with acne-prone skin. Lastly, research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claimed that beta-carotene works to protect the skin from UV rays.

Lots Of Vitamins C & E

A one-cup serving of cooked pumpkin contains 13% of the RDI of both vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamin C, as we mentioned previously, supports collagen synthesis and helps protect cells from tissue damage. It is also an integral antioxidant for optimal immune function and neurological health. Vitamin E also offers antioxidant effects, and a diet rich in vitamin E has been linked to a reduced risk of PMS symptoms, Alzheimer’s disease, acne, wrinkles, and hormonal problems. Vitamin E also works to prevent free radical damage, which may help to decrease the risk of several cancers, including colorectal and prostate cancer.

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When you are in need of a snack to fill you up, don’t reach for the bag of chips or package of cookies. Do those unhealthy snacks taste good and satisfy your sweet or salty craving? Yes, without a doubt, but they do not satiate you. In fact, they keep you coming back or wanting more, despite how much you ate. That’s why we love energy bites! They are made with a handful of healthy ingredients that provide healthy fats, fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

This recipe calls for hemp hearts, ground flaxseed, sesame seeds, and raw sunflower seed butter, among a few other ingredients. Those specific ingredients offer lots of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, complete protein, zinc, selenium, and other micronutrients integral to your overall health. The three primary ingredients that offer some of the best nutrients and health benefits are:

• Hemp hearts: These tiny cream and green-colored seeds are the soft, inner part of hemp seeds. The plant originated in Central Asia, although it can be found nationwide these days. Hemp hearts are naturally rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, offering more than in chia seeds or flax seeds.
• Raw sunflower seed butter: Harness the power of the sunflower, just in creamy, delicious butter form. Sunflower seed butter is both gluten-free and nut-free, making it an allergy-friendly spread. It is also one of the best sources of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps fight inflammation. Two tablespoons provides nearly 40% of the recommended daily intake.
• Ground flaxseed: Most nutritional experts recommend ground over whole flaxseed because the ground version is easier to digest. Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health and relieve constipation, but it may also reduce total cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.

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Given the season, you might be craving all things pumpkin. Allow us to steal your focus away from the mighty pumpkin and direct it toward butternut squash. Much like pumpkin, butternut squash has an orange flesh that is celebrated for not only its flavor, but also its nutritional benefits. 

Butternut Squash Nutrition

Even though butternut squash is typically available year round, it tends to be most abundant during fall. A lot of people consider it to be a vegetable, but it is technically a fruit, although it lends itself to both sweet and savory applications. It exhibits a slightly nutty and decadent flavor that beautifully absorbs warming spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. The following nutrients are present in 100 grams (g) of raw butternut squash:

• Calories: 48
• Protein: 1.15 g
• Carbohydrates: 10.5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Folate (vitamin B9): 55 micrograms (mcg)
• Magnesium: 15 milligrams (mg)
• Vitamin C: 7.6 mg
• Potassium: 329 mg
• Iron: 0.21 mg
• Manganese: 0.075 mg
• Calcium: 22 mg

Butternut squash is also a rich source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which are plant pigments that give it the vibrant orange color. Those compounds are provitamin A carotenoids, which the body converts to retinal and retinoic acid (the active forms of vitamin A). Vitamin A is necessary for cell growth, eye health, bone health, and optimal immune function. Continue reading to discover why you should add more butternut squash to your diet. 

May Lower The Risk Of Heart Disease

A 2016 study in 2,445 people demonstrated that the risk of heart disease lowered 23% for every additional serving of yellow or orange vegetables. Butternut squash contains antioxidants that have a positive impact on the heart. Although more research is necessary to better understand the relationship of butternut squash on heart health, the existing research is promising. Butternut squash also contains potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, enhance muscle strength, and aid overall heart function.

Helps You See Better

Thanks to the carotenoid content, butternut squash is one of the best foods for eye health. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A in the body, which works to promote healthier vision. Butternut squash also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are other carotenoid compounds. A review of several studies found that those carotenoids help minimize the damage from ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and blue light exposure. Butternut squash also contains vitamin C, which works in conjunction with vitamin A to help prevent age-related vision issues, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. 

Supports Healthy Digestion

One cup of butternut squash provides nearly 10% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. The squash provides both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber moves slowly through the digestive system and forms a gel-like substance that helps feed healthy bacteria in the gut. Insoluble fiber helps the body process waste, improve overall gut health, and prevent constipation. Since fiber helps to fill you up, eating butternut squash may help stave off hunger cravings and aid weight loss efforts. Foods that are rich in fiber also help lower total cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar, and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Benefits Immune Function

In case it isn’t evident by now, butternut squash is rich in beta-carotene, but that isn’t the only antioxidant it contains. Butternut squash is also rich in vitamins C and E, both of which lend a helping hand to the immune system. Researchers note that all of the antioxidants in butternut squash help fight free radical damage, support immune function, and encourage optimal cellular health. During cold and flu season, which tends to coincide with fall, you should eat more vitamin C-rich foods, such as butternut squash. 

May Benefit Diabetes Treatment And Prevention

The body converts the food you eat into energy as carbs that are broken down into sugar (glucose). Most people don’t typically monitor blood sugar levels on a regular basis. That isn’t the case for people with diabetes, and the CDC estimates that one in 10 Americans has type 2 diabetes. You can prevent the disease or eradicate the need for medication by making smarter, healthier lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet. Butternut squash offers some anti-diabetic properties, according to some research. Although it contains carbohydrates, which get a bad rap, the other nutrients are of greater importance.

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There is something so satisfying about replacing an item you buy in the store with an even better homemade version. French fries, a loaf of bread, and these root veggie chips are just some examples of things you can make better, and healthier, than the ones you find in stores. Not only does it feel good to make your own chips, but it also means that you get to enjoy more nutrients. Researchers note that root vegetables help to boost serotonin (the feel good hormone) levels. Top off that crunchy goodness with a satisfying and luxurious spiced tahini sauce and you are ready to snack.

The hardest thing about this recipe is making sure that the chips are evenly sliced. That is why we encourage you to use a mandolin slicer on the 1/16-inch setting. You just have to be careful when you start slicing, as the mandolin blade is very sharp. Some mandolins come with protective devices that shield your fingers. If you just have the simple one with that feature, just mind your fingertips when you get close to the end of the potatoes and beets.

Regarding the root vegetables, you can choose ones that you enjoy, if you do not like the yam, white sweet potato, and beets in this recipe. Other great options include Yukon Gold potatoes, rutabaga, turnips, radishes, parsnips, or celery root. As long as these root vegetables are sliced uniformly thin, they will cook evenly. Some root vegetables may have a higher water content then others, so feel free to pat them dry prior to baking them.

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There are several signature fall fruits, including apples, persimmons, pomegranates, grapes, figs, and cranberries. One of our favorite fall fruits is the pear, which is as versatile as it is refreshing and delicious. Pair your pears with sweet, spicy, savory, or tart flavors and you’ll be pleased. That’s why we added ginger to this pear smoothie. The natural sweetness of the pear is a great balance to the spicy kick of the fresh ginger.

Pears are often underutilized ingredients in smoothies. They are popular to enjoy as healthy snacks, but people also add them to salads and some desserts. These bell-shaped fruits deserve a little more attention in smoothie recipes, not only for their flavor, but also for their impressive nutritional profile. A single medium pear provides:

• Calories: 101
• Carbohydrates: 27 grams (g)
• Protein: 1 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Vitamin C: 9% of the daily value (DV)
• Potassium: 4% of the DV
• Copper: 16% of the DV
• Vitamin K: 7% of the DV

The same serving also provides small amounts of other micronutrients, including folate, niacin, provitamin A, and polyphenol antioxidants. Pears with green skin, such as Bartlett pears, contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds that are integral for healthy vision. Ruby-red pears, for example, contain anthocyanins that may help improve heart health and protect against certain types of cancer.

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You have to keep your salads interesting if you want to keep your taste buds interested. A bland salad with the same ingredients and dressing is neither appetizing nor satisfying. In fact, you’ll probably seek out some more food shortly after eating it. That is why we recommend experimenting with different ingredients. Consider taking out leafy greens (even though we love them) and focus on a variety of other ingredients.

This salad takes inspiration from the classic Middle Eastern salad, which tends to have several variations from country to country. It is very simple, but the flavors are bright, powerful, and highly addictive. Plus, it is naturally rich in water-rich produce items, so eating it contributes to your overall water intake for the day.

Key Ingredients

Cucumber: Cucumber is a naturally detoxifying effect on the body, working to cleanse the liver. In addition to being a natural diuretic, cucumber also contains several integral nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium, among others.

Tomatoes: They are plump, juicy, and naturally rich in lycopene, beta-carotene, flavonoids, folate, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Studies indicate that tomatoes may help protect the skin, eyes, ones, and heart, in addition to helping reduce inflammation.

Basil: The classic pesto leaf has many purposes, and several health benefits to boot. Many researchers attribute basil’s health benefits to the diverse antioxidant profile. Basil works to reduce inflammation, enhance immune function, protect the liver, and regulate blood sugar.

Red onion: Not everyone enjoys onion in their salad, but they do work very well with the other ingredients in this specific salad. They have a diverse and rich nutritional profile, offering lots of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium, a mineral that aids cellular function, fluid balance, muscle contraction, and more. Researchers confirm that onions are an excellent source of antioxidants, containing at least 17 different antioxidant compounds, including anthocyanins.

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