For years, people have blamed the Thanksgiving sleepiness on the tryptophan found in turkey, as this amino acid has sedative effects. The truth is, that other foods like cheese and eggs – plus even other meats – contain as much, if not, even more, tryptophan than turkey. So, what does make us so sleepy? Theories abound, but most likely it’s said that the number of carbs (and alcohol) we consume on Thanksgiving is the reason.
If you’re trying to prevent holiday drowsiness, eat smaller portions and watch your alcohol intake.
Note: Keep in mind that being more concentrated also means it contains more calories. So, be sure you’re getting pure pumpkin in the can, not a pumpkin pie mix, as they may have added sugar, salt, and other unhealthy additives.
Myth No. 3: Multigrain Rolls are healthier than white enriched rolls
Multigrain rolls might not be any better than white enriched rolls. Multigrain rolls may be made with whole grain or whole wheat, but the first word on the ingredient list should be “whole” to provide more fiber.
Better yet: If you are going to eat rolls or bread, try to find a sprouted whole wheat or gluten-free roll…or skip this part of the meal completely.
Myth No 4: Dark turkey meat is unhealthy
If you do decide to stuff your turkey, keep all of the wet ingredients (onions, broth, celery, butter) chilled before preparing. Mix all of the ingredients just before filling the turkey. Fill the turkey loosely and cook it immediately. After the bird is up to 165 degrees, make sure the center of the stuffing reaches 165 °F as well.
Myth No. 6: White potatoes have little nutrition, sweet potatoes are healthier
Uh-uh! Pop-up thermometers are quite unreliable. Not only do they make a hole the skin and let juices escape, but they can also get stuck, leaving you with an under-or-overcooked bird, as most are made to pop up at 180°F — at that point, your bird is overdone and dried out.Use a probe thermometer instead.Do your best, enjoy the day and remember, to focus on the others that you’re with for Thanksgiving.