Tryptophan, Turkey and Tired Afternoons

Every year my family gathers together to gorge themselves on artichoke dip, deviled eggs, a variety of peppers, olives and carrots followed by a bunch of cheese and crackers all before we finally sit down for the long awaited Thanksgiving feast.   Now we've spent at least a week preparing for this monumental moment. Planned the dishes, determined who was bringing what, went to the grocery store to get the ingredients and  then spent a few days preparing the pies, casseroles, etc.  When the moment finally arrives we sit down and eat for approximately 20 minutes... total!   All of that preparation and we are done gobbling it down in less than 30 minutes?  REALLY!? 



After our binge on turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry, salad, vegetable medley, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and ice cream, we all tend to pass out.  Finding anyplace that will hold our gorged bodies and offer warmth and comfort to allow us to snooze for an hour or so.  
And every year we talk about the Tryptophan, the culprit in Turkey that has caused us to snooze the afternoon away.   However, Turkey is not to blame for your sleepiness.  Chicken and ground beef contain almost the same amount of tryptophan as turkey,  about 350 milligrams per 4 ounce serving.  

The truth is, we eat more than 3000 calories at that one meal, most of which are carbohydrates.  And don't forget we have probably indulged in egg nog, wine and beer while watching the football game and munching on those 'appetizers'.  So let's stop blaming the turkey and tryptophan and realize that we nap because our bodies need to process the massive amount of food and alcohol we fed it!  So, relax!  Enjoy the awesome food, family and friends.   Sleep off round one and then head back for round two!   We get to have this feast once a year.  Enjoy it! 

Happy Thanksgiving!