Feeling drowsy after that Thanksgiving meal? Don’t blame the turkey.
Gretta Irwin, with the Iowa Turkey Federation, says recent studies show it’s carbohydrate rich meals that increase levels of tryptophan in the brain, which creates drowsiness.
"I think it’s a combination more of the environment we’re in," Irwin says of that sleepy feeling many people experience after the Thanksgiving meal. "We’re eating a large meal in the middle of the day, which a lot of us are not used to, you’re in a warm house, lots of communication going on, and you’re relaxing a little bit. So, naturally, you’re going to feel a bit more tired after the meal. It’s more the environment we’re in – not the turkey that makes us sleepy."
For many people, one of the highlights of Thanksgiving time is the late night turkey sandwich. Irwin says, to ensure quality leftovers, you shouldn’t leave the turkey on the dinner table for more than one hour. She suggests storing the turkey meat in shallow containers, so the meat cools more quickly in the refrigerator. The meat should be safe to eat within three to four days. Irwin says you can also store the leftover turkey in the freezer for up to four months.
The Iowa Turkey Federation’s website has host of recipe ideas. That website is www.IowaTurkey.org.