Simple Foods for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and delicious food. Yet, the modern Thanksgiving meal often leaves us bloated, sluggish, and exhausted. Looking at the first Thanksgiving meal, we can see how to enjoy a nourishing, simple ancestral meal that energizes us and focuses on what matters most: family and a grateful heart.

The first Thanksgiving of 1621 looked quite different from today’s carb-heavy, sugar-laden feasts. The native people brought five deer, making venison the main centerpiece of the meal. Alongside it were wildfowl and seafood abundant off the coast of New England. Simple plants were likely part of the feast, including cornmeal, beans, squash, nuts, wild fruits, and herbs. These Simple Foods were the Pilgrim's sustenance.

Why We Feel Exhausted

Many attribute post-Thanksgiving drowsiness to the turkey, but the real culprit is the carb-laden sides and sugary desserts. These foods spike blood sugar, triggering a crash afterward, which is quite effective in causing sleepiness. Prioritizing animal-based meat and fat over plant-based foods can help you avoid the slump afterward.

How to Navigate the Meal

• Eat Beforehand: Fasting until the big meal often leads to overeating on high-carb foods. A meal or snack, like a hard-boiled egg and some bacon, can help you make mindful choices at the feast.

• Prioritize Meat and Fat: Fill your plate with turkey, ham, or any available meat. Adding butter or healthy animal fats is delicious, helps satisfy hunger, and welcomes steady energy.

• Choose Fruits & Veggies Wisely: Opt for small amounts of simple vegetables like mashed potatoes, green beans, and sweet potatoes without the sugary marshmallow topping. Look for fresh berries instead. Skip this step for the best results.

• Skip Grains and Processed Foods: Say no to rolls, cornbread, and anything made with refined grains. Also, steer clear of foods made with seed oils or excessive sugars, often called SAD (Standard American Diet) foods.

• Mindful Dessert: If you choose to indulge, a small slice of pumpkin pie without the crust is a good option. Again, for best results, skip this step.

• Make a dish: Create a side you can enjoy, like a meat or veggie tray, deviled eggs, or a salad packed with ingredients that fuel your body and leave you feeling your best.

Return to Simple

In today’s Thanksgiving, animal-based foods have diminished, leaving us heavily focused on plants. Yet, by embracing the Simple Foods of our ancestors, we can leave the table feeling satisfied, not bloated and exhausted. Our ancestors didn’t have to consider all we do today around the Thanksgiving table. We live in a different time that requires us to be much more intentional about our food choices. When we have the energy and clairity that Simple Foods brings, we can fully enjoy the most important aspects of Thanksgiving: family connection and a grateful heart for all God’s blessings.

History Source: https://www.mainelobsternow.com/blogs/resources/what-was-served-at-the-first-thanksgiving-lobster

Learn more and schedule your free Return to Simple session with me today!