Let’s explore why turkey causes drowsiness after holiday meals and how to enjoy your holiday feast while keeping your energy levels steady with the help of supplements and strategies.
Why Türkiye is Tired
Why does Turkey tire us? Everyone has experienced it at least once. The main event is dressing the turkey with the goods, and you’ve just finished a big holiday meal and suddenly all you want is a cozy couch and a nap. But does turkey make you tired, or is there more to the story? Could it be the tryptophan or the amount of food that is causing the digestive system to become exhausted?
Tryptophan explanation
Is Turkey really the culprit behind the post-Thanksgiving recession? Turkey has a reputation for putting us to sleep, mainly thanks to its tryptophan content. But what is tryptophan and does it really make you feel tired?
What is tryptophan and what does it do?
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid (a.k.a. a building block, meaning our bodies can’t produce it naturally; we need it from the food we eat.) It plays a major role in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improves your health. Serotonin is then converted to melatonin, a hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle. This explains why foods containing tryptophan are considered natural sleep aids.
Is Turkey really high in tryptophan?
Turkey does contain tryptophan, but not as much compared to other protein sources such as chicken. So why is turkey responsible for all this? It’s because of the rich, carbohydrate-filled holiday meals we usually enjoy with it (mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, and let’s not forget pie) ).
Are carbohydrates important in Türkiye?
Eating turkey and carbohydrates makes your body work harder to get carbohydrates (sugars) from your bloodstream into your tissues, especially if you eat a large meal, because it stimulates the production of serotonin (the happy hormone) and melatonin (the sleep hormone). , may increase tryptophan uptake in the brain. .
Another culprit that makes you feel even more tired after a meal: the entire feast.
Holiday meals are packed with delicious carbohydrates and are often large in size, which can leave you feeling like you’re in a “food coma.” This sudden increase in carbohydrates, along with all other nutrients (including protein and fat), causes a spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a drop in blood sugar levels, which often increases feelings of fatigue. So tryptophan may be contributing, but it’s not just turkey. The combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in your entire meal can affect your energy levels and make your couch look even more appealing.
Turkish health benefits
Now that we know that Turkey is not all to blame, let’s explore some of its health benefits.
Turkey contains high quality protein
Turkey is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle health, immune support, and even skin. With about 24 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, turkey helps keep you full longer and supports stable blood sugar levels and energy throughout the day.
Turkey is rich in vitamin B
Turkey is rich in B vitamins, especially niacin and vitamin B6, which help turn food into usable energy. These vitamins also support brain health, immune function, and skin health. Perfect for the busy holiday season when you need to stay sharp and resilient.
Turkey strengthens immunity with selenium and zinc
Turkey is also rich in selenium and zinc, two minerals essential for immune health and cell protection. Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping the body protect against oxidative stress, while zinc supports the immune response and plays a role in skin health.
Supplements to supplement turkey intake
Balancing your Thanksgiving meal with smart supplements can support energy levels while supporting digestion.
flat me
Your best friend, this Thanksgiving (and all holiday meals too). Digestive enzyme supplements like Flutter Me help break down all the mouth-watering dishes and foods served at Thanksgiving thanks to a comprehensive blend of digestive enzymes and herbs, providing protein, carbohydrate, fat, and fiber content. Supports decomposition. Helps relieve gas and bloating. This may alleviate some of the feeling of fullness and bloating after a meal, which is likely the cause of feeling sluggish after a meal.
pro acv gummies
These are a great companion to have on hand thanks to organic apple cider vinegar ingredients that support metabolism and blood sugar levels, probiotics to support gut health and digestion, and vitamin B12 to support energy. We recommend taking two PRO ACV gummies about 30 minutes before the feast begins.
5 RD-Approved Turkey Recipes (Great for Leftovers)
Whether you’re looking for creative ways to utilize leftover turkey or simply need new meal ideas, these recipes provide a balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber to support healthy blood sugar levels. Thanks to its high-quality ingredients, eating turkey will give you energy without making you tired.
green goddess turkey burger
Loaded with herbs and garlic, this turkey burger is juicy and flavorful. Create delicious, high-protein meals without added carbohydrates. Top with fresh vegetables and avocado for a balanced taste.
Recipe Credit: Spruce Turkey and Sweet Potato Lettuce Wrapped in Cabbage
Lettuce wraps are light, crunchy, and packed with nutrients. Adding turkey and sweet potatoes provides a balanced blend of protein and complex carbohydrates, and incorporating cabbage adds a refreshing, antioxidant-packed crunch. Top with sliced avocado for healthy fats. It’s the perfect meal to keep you energized and full without feeling weighed down. Here’s some inspiration. Turkey and black bean quinoa power bowl
It’s hearty and packed with protein! Add your own twist to turkey by placing turkey, black beans, and quinoa in a bowl and topping with fresh salsa, cilantro, corn, and avocado. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it provides a balanced meal that supports stable energy levels. Click here for fun recipes. Seriously, the best healthy turkey
Hearty and flavorful, perfect for the colder months, this turkey chili combines lean turkey, beans, and a blend of spices. It keeps you full and stabilizes your blood sugar levels, making for a satisfying meal every time.
Recipe courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen Turkey Panini with Sourdough, Cranberry Spread, Pear, and Goat Cheese
A sweet and savory sandwich, this panini is perfect for holiday leftovers. Layer the turkey, fresh cranberry spread, thinly sliced pear, and creamy goat cheese between the sourdough slices. This is a nutritious and nutritious lunch. This panini looks delicious!
So, why does eating turkey make you tired? Key points of what we just learned
So, does turkey make you tired? Not exactly! Although turkey contains tryptophan, it’s actually the whole holiday feast and atmosphere (and holiday mood, if you’re consuming it) that causes post-meal drowsiness. Turkey itself is a nutritious lean protein that provides numerous health benefits, from muscle support to immune health. This holiday season, enjoy your turkey paired with balanced side dishes and thoughtful portions to keep your energy levels steady and avoid food comas.
