The heart and soul of Thanksgiving and many other holidays tends to lie in the coming together of people and the creation of food. Despite how busy life can get, holidays or special social gatherings throughout the year offer us the chance to relax, unwind, and focus on what truly matters, our relationships.
These gatherings tend to be accompanied by a tremendous amount of food waste and leftovers that are often forgotten. However, this does not have to be the norm! Through strategic cooking hacks and thinking ahead, we can work to minimize our food waste and even make some of the common holiday foods healthier for our brains and bodies.
Holiday meals tend to be filled with many delicious ingredients, and sometimes these ingredients can impact our digestive tract. While we always are supporters of a balanced diet and indulging from time-to-time, there is no reason that we can’t look to make small changes to these traditional dishes in order to boost their health!
Storage Tips for the Leftover Madness of the Holidays
The key to using up all of the Thanksgiving leftovers is to know how best to store the leftovers.
Turkey, often the main character on Thanksgiving, can be left in the fridge for approximately three days after cooking and can be used in a variety of different ways after the main holiday, but let’s not forget the other ingredients that turkey has to offer! The bones of your turkey can be used to make turkey broth which you can then use to boost the flavor of other recipes or freeze to use at a later date. The glycine found in turkey bone broth can be incredibly helpful in healing gut ailments and helps to regulate stomach acid.
In general, all perishable items should be packed in airtight containers and stored shortly after cooking. There is a ‘danger zone’ when it comes to leaving food out. During this danger zone, the food can start to develop dangerous bacteria which would then make the food harmful to consume. Once refrigerated, the leftovers should last a couple of days in the fridge, but always be sure to check the status of the food before reheating and consuming. If you’re traveling to and from your home, be sure to put away any leftovers as soon as possible.
Your freezer is your best friend! Do not let uncertainty lead you to lose out on all the amazing leftovers. Be sure to stock away any foods in your freezer that you do not anticipate eating a couple of days after the holiday. Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and gravy are all great examples of versatile ingredients you can freeze and use at a later date. If you know that you won’t be utilizing your ingredients, consider spreading the love with your neighbors and friends. While food waste is a common experience during the holiday season, these are some of the ways we can work to minimize its impact on our wallets and environment.
Ways to Boost the Health Power of Traditional Thanksgiving Ingredients
While there is nothing wrong with consuming the traditional Thanksgiving ingredients as they are traditionally created, there are some ways to boost their nutritional value for those looking for an added health boost to their meals this year!
Take stuffing for example. Stuffing is traditionally created with white bread cubes, but if switched out for whole-grain bread, you will have completely elevated the fiber content in your stuffing. Stuffing is also a great dish to elevate due to the flexibility in ingredients you can add. From pumpkin seeds to celery and apples, the possibilities are endless. Be sure to personalize your stuffing this year to your taste buds and nutritional goals.
In general, using low-fat alternatives when possible can be helpful in the kitchen. Using reduced sodium options can also be helpful in minimizing your salt intake and thus avoiding dehydration. Instead of overpowering your dishes with salt, consider boosting the amount of herbs in your dishes to elevate the flavor instead.
When it comes to holiday eating, it is incredibly easy to over portion your plate. Be sure to listen to your body to avoid overeating which can cause bloating, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Try to maximize your hunger by eating a more balanced meal filled with grains, protein, and veggies. Above all, make sure to enjoy your meal and time with loved ones!
Let’s Talk The Ultimate Gut Health Routine Post a Holiday Weekend
After a long holiday weekend, you might experience some unwelcome digestive symptoms due to the different foods or beverages you might have consumed. Luckily, there are ways you can prepare your gut to protect it from harm during the holidays and ways you can strengthen your gut after the holidays.
First, it is crucial to have a probiotic for bloating in your routine leading up to the event. Probiotics and supplements with gut health enzymes are most effective when taken consistently. A probiotic will help to protect your gut from any harmful bacteria that is wanting to invade your system and can instead help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. In addition to a probiotic, consider taking a digestive enzyme supplement to help you best digest all the different foods you consume, especially during the holiday season.
Dairy is an extremely common ingredient in many holiday dishes. If you are someone who is sensitive to dairy, be sure to have supplements that help with the digestion of dairy or try to avoid it as much as possible to minimize your chances of experiencing unwelcome ailments. On that note, try to avoid common food triggers as much as possible.
Lastly, we are aware of how stressful the holiday season can be, especially if you are in charge of cooking and hosting. Be sure to take some time to relax and try to minimize your stress levels as much as possible. Stress will only exacerbate digestive complications. Mindful eating, hydration, and understanding balance in one’s diet will help you to smoothly experience the holidays!