Thanksgiving Myth! Eating turkey makes people especially drowsy:

Not so. Here, the myth is that the tryptophan in turkey causes the drowsiness. This amino acid is known to cause drowsiness, but the truth is that there's as much tryptophan in pork and cheese as there is in turkey. What's more, researchers noted that for tryptophan to promote sleep, you need to ingest it on an empty stomach (with no protein present) - something that's unlikely at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Other factors are probably to blame for post-meal drowsiness: any big meal can make you sleepy because of a decrease in blood flow and oxygenation to the brain. Your body is desperately trying to handle the sheer volume that is the Thanksgiving Meal!

And then, of course, there's the wine!

Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner: Not Stressgiving Dinner!:

Good Morning!

Most of us have started the process of planning our Thanksgiving Meal. As we do so I invite you to concentrate on making the experience of: the planning, the cooking, the time with family and the eating of your bounty a joyful and grateful experience. Each time you find yourself getting a little irritated or stressed, take a breath and remember the intent of this special holiday. It was meant to be a time of thanks not a time of stress. That includes emotional stress, chemical stress and physical stress. Enjoy your meal, savour each bite. take your time and savour each moment with family.

Blessings to you all!

Dr Pia

How to Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner without the unwanted stuffing

Most people gain 10-15 lbs over the holiday season. Not only does that cause the potential for health problems but it also causes the body additional stress.

This added stress also causes our immune function to be lowered providing the potential for colds and flu etc. Make giving thanks with family and friends the focus of your gathering.

The key to unwanted “ stuffing “ is everything in moderation. If you are cooking you have control over what is served at the T.G table, if not you have the choice over what you consume. “ Ah Ha” you can’t blame anyone else!

Here are a few tips to help you navigate the most fattening (2000 calories on average) meal of the year.

1. Eat breakfast. Don’t go hungry as you have the potential to overeat.
2. Drink plenty of water up to hour before and one hour after the meal
3. Eat slowly. It takes 20 mins for the brain to catch up and register you are full.
4. Say no to seconds. You body can only process so much at once.
5. Careful with alcohol. You have a tendency to eat more and it is loaded with calories
6. Big one! Don’t take more of the fattening food home with you. No one needs more of the most fattening meal of the year
7. Get some exercise either before or after the meal. Sign up for a Turkey Trot. Fun for all and a great way to give to charity!
8. Watch portion control. There are often a lot more items on the menu than a typical meal. Take a little of everything.

Here is my ideal Thanksgiving Dinner…

Start: Butternut/ Pumpkin soup.

Dinner: Roasted organic turkey breast w/ herbs and a little sea salt

Roasted Root Vegetables

Green beans with garlic and almonds

Brussels Spouts

Whole grain wild rice or Quinoa

Arugala Salad

Desert: Probably skip it. But if I was serving it would be Baked Apples

If you are Vegetarian or Vegan you can substitute the turkey for Tempeh or Seiten, and add black beans to the rice or quinoa.

Function and Feeling great!

It makes my day when the body the mind and the spirit and in alignment.

Hi Doctor Pia,
I just wanted to let you know that I did all of my measurements this morning after this program and have lost over 11 inches all over my body along with those 13 pounds! I will be weighing in again tomorrow and will keep with this ritual weekly to keep myself on track. I haven't brought in a lot of new foods, but I am being very keen on what I am feeling and it has been interesting to notice and has me really want to stick with what I have been doing more and more because that is when I feel my best!!

I was talking to my mom this morning about doing it as well. She is looking for the jump start and something that can sustain. I told her that this was the best thing I have done! I know you wouldn't necessarily be able to test her before starting, but would you have any suggestions on how she might be able to do it if she chooses to? She said she is thinking about it and would maybe do something after the first of the year.

Anyways, I keep sharing it and can't thank you enough for how great I feel!! Life is good!

I will stop by and pick up my stuff after work and put the check under the mat. I will also write that testimonial very soon for you!!
Thanks again!
With much love and respect,
Angel:)