It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Which holiday allows family and friends to get together for a full-blown Christmas dinner without the stress of buying presents?

Thanksgiving!

Honestly, Thanksgiving has to be my favorite holiday. Of course I’m only saying this because I don’t actually cook Thanksgiving dinners…ever. That’s because I somehow manage to consistently invite myself somewhere every year to indulge in someone else’s fine cooking.

But I digress. Onto the topic at hand.

Thanksgiving has a bad reputation for making its consumers sleepy. This is true, although the real culprit might not be what you think it is.

Let me tell you now, IT’S NOT TURKEY!! The truth is, turkey contains a protein called tryptophan, which is synthesized into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Sound familiar? This is the same neurotransmitter associated with anti-depressant medication because it affects our mood, behavior, appetite, and sleep. To be more specific, serotonin induces sleep—hence the connection between turkey and sleepiness.

With that being said, we are not eating enough turkey to induce sleepiness! There are so many other foods out there that contain MUCH MORE tryptophan than turkey, such as cod, cheese, and pork.

…So, what’s making you tired?

I'd bet my bacon that it’s the growing ball of stress from having to cook a feast for so many people, or eating a gargantuan meal loaded with carbohydrates (I’m looking at you potatoes, stuffing, bread and pie)!

Sorry, I guess you can’t blame the turkey anymore to avoid dish duty! Or try to wake yourself up with some of these tips.

Happy Turkey Everyone!!!

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