by Cathy
Last year, Atmadarshan and I traveled back to upstate New York to celebrate Thanksgiving with my parents and family. We also took the train to NYC for our second annual visit with dear friends. This had fast become a cherished tradition, and we couldn’t have imagined we would need to forego this year.
Without a doubt, Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday – after all, it’s all about food, family and friends! While we will be sheltering-at-home, we are planning to celebrate with all of the fixings… and all of the leftovers! We will fill our Zoom Room with family and friend visits to spend time with those we love, and we will watch the football games like we always do.
Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the foods that remind us of the family table – turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole (my fav!), candied yams, mashed potatoes & gravy, crescent rolls, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, pecan pie…. Oh my, I’m sure there are several favorites you’ll be adding to the list. Family, even when we must be separated, is a source of comfort and can lift our spirits when we honor our traditions.
What does Ayurveda have to say about making the most of these indulgent meals? Like every other time, of course, it is recommended to eat in moderation and mindfully. Ginger Tea, sipped before and during the meal, is excellent for digestion, and the flavor certainly complements Thanksgiving fare. To make it, add 1C boiling water to 1t grated or sliced ginger; you can also add a squeeze of lemon and/or honey to taste. If you enjoy eating ginger, you can make “Ginger Pizza” appetizers: take a thin slice of fresh ginger, sprinkle with lemon juice and a touch of salt. Before diving into your feast, eat one of these to stimulate digestion.
Ayurveda also suggests that how we take in food makes a difference in how well we digest. Along with mindful eating, it’s important to fully chew food before swallowing. Would you believe 32 times??? Anecdotally, it’s for the number of teeth we have. And start by eating the heavier foods first (dessert, anyone?); finish with the lighter foods. Give it a try and see what happens. Interestingly, research has shown that the stomach’s stretch receptors are key messengers for triggering satiety. Heavier, bulkier foods will stimulate these receptors faster than lighter foods, and potentially help us put those forks down before we end up overeating and suffering the consequences.
When you’ve finished eating, lie down on your left side for 10-15 minutes to aid the digestive process, then take a leisurely stroll for 15-20 minutes. This has been shown to lower after-meal blood sugar levels, supporting healthy weight management – not limited to Thanksgiving, a great routine to develop after every meal!
Let us know how it goes if you give any of these Ayurvedic tips a try. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, however you will be celebrating!