If you ate too much on Thanksgiving, feel too full, or got stuck in a food coma, this Thanksgiving Reset Smoothie is for you!
We’ve all been there – we loaded up on dinner rolls and mashed potatoes, maybe ate too much pecan pie. After Thanksgiving, it’s common to feel bloated and uncomfortable after eating too much. But the solution is NOT to restrict or “punish” yourself if you overate. Instead of skipping meals after your Thanksgiving feast, try this Thanksgiving Reset Smoothie for a delicious snack.
Why do I call this a reset smoothie? Because this recipe has four key ingredients that can help with digestion:
1 // Cranberries
Cranberries are often used as a home remedy for UTIs, but they also have benefits for digestion, too. Studies have shown that eating cranberries can help reduce bad bacteria in the body, while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
2 // Pineapple
Pineapples are a unique fruit because they contain bromelain, a grouping of enzymes that help break down proteins. This can help your body digest and absorb the protein you’ve eaten.
3 // Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are excellent in helping things move along, if you know what I mean. Chia seeds contain a type of fiber that absorbs water, creating a gel-like substance that helps lubricate the digestive tract.
4 // Coconut Water
Coconut water is my favorite thing to drink for any type of health need. I drink it to hydrate after a workout, after I’ve had alcohol (for me it drastically helps reduce hangovers!), and I put it in my smoothies all the time. What sets coconut water apart from other sports drinks is its electrolyte content. Most sports drinks only contain sodium as its electrolyte component. Coconut water, on the other hand, is a natural source of magnesium AND potassium, two nutrients that are much harder to get in your diet than sodium. Keeping hydrated after eating too much on Thanksgiving is very important, and there’s no better way to do it than with coconut water!
The bottom line about this Thanksgiving Reset Smoothie is…
…to NOT deprive your body! Filling up on delicious food at Thanksgiving is not something to “punish” yourself for! Your body will always need food, and deprivation is NOT the way to health. And filling up on nutritious fruits and vegetables, like the ones found in this smoothie, is a great way to show self-love. Enjoy!
Thanksgiving Reset Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Frozen Pineapple
- 1/2 Cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
- 1/4 Cup Carrots
- 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
- 1 1/2 Cups Coconut Water
- 2 Ice Cubes
- 1/2 Tbsp Optional Sweetener of Choice like honey or maple syrup
- Water to thin, if needed
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high until completely smooth. Add water in small increments to thin, if needed.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- This smoothie is a little on the tart side, so add in honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Instead of a sweetener, you can also try adding in 1/2 frozen banana or 2 pitted dates.
Nutrition
Thanksgiving Reset Smoothie FAQs
How to digest after Thanksgiving?
A lot of Thanksgiving food is very starch and protein-heavy. There’s not usually a lot of fiber to be found on most Thanksgiving menus. That’s why having a fiber-rich snack like this Thanksgiving Reset Smoothie is very beneficial to get your digestion rolling!
How to feel less bloated after Thanksgiving dinner?
My top tip to feel less bloated after Thanksgiving dinner is to go for a walk. Not only does moving around stimulate your digestive motility, but walking after eating can actually help prevent blood sugar spikes. The one thing to note is to wait a little while after eating, usually around 20-30 minutes, to avoid cramping or an upset stomach.
Why do you get so tired after Thanksgiving dinner?
This can happen for two reasons. First, for non-vegetarian eaters, turkey contains a lot of tryptophan, an amino acid that gets converted to melatonin (a hormone that can make you sleepy) in the body. Second, eating a large amount of carbs in one sitting can lead to a blood sugar spike and subsequent crash.
Is it okay to eat a lot on Thanksgiving?
YES! 100%! Here at Well and Full we are 100000% against food restricting or harmful mindsets. I do want to validate where people are coming from with this question though. I completely empathize with feeling frustrated about overeating when you’re on a diet or pursuing a specific eating regimen. What I encourage for ALL eaters is to have grace with yourself, especially around the holidays. Food is special because it’s what keeps us going. You can’t drive a car that doesn’t have any gasoline in it! But also, food is something that’s good for the mind and soul. It’s not just about what you’re specifically eating, it’s about the circumstances in which you do it. Thanksgiving is for spending time with loved ones and having gratitude for the blessings in our lives. This year, I invite all to think of a meal shared with friends/family as a gift in and of itself!
How do you detox after Thanksgiving?
First things first – no foods actually “detox” your body. Your liver, GI system, and kidneys do that. However, I know that when people ask this question, they’re really looking for ways to help this natural process along. And there ARE foods that can absolutely help with digestion, like the ones in this smoothie! Nutrients like prebiotic fiber (like the fiber found in carrots) and antioxidants (like those found in cranberries) can help your body’s natural detoxing process.
P.S.
For more plant-forward recipes and New England lifestyle inspiration, be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok! If you make a recipe, please tag me in the photo and use the hashtag #wellandfull so I can see! I love seeing your creations!
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