It's that time of year again! Family, friends, fun, and good food... what's not to love about the holidays?
If you're like us though, health is still on your mind and you might be a little worried about the many ways the holiday season could derail it. Fortunately, we got some facetime with food scientist, functional nutritionist, and Senior Director of Product Development at Xyngular, Chanelle Jepson, BSc. We don't want you to settle for "surviving" the holidays–we want you to be able to enjoy them brilliantly, confidently, and unapologetically!
So here are seven Turkey Day tips that we know you'll be able to put to good use... let's get started!
Be Thankful
Not only 'tis it the season, but a practice of gratitude before eating can switch off the sympathetic nervous system (our bodies fight or flight mode) and switch on the parasympathetic nervous system, known as REST and DIGEST.
This can improve digestion and decrease the stress hormone cortisol. Better digestion and relaxation? Count us in.
Take Your Probiotic
Probiotics are best known for their impact on gut health. When taking Xyngular Complete Probiotic first thing in the morning, you set the tone for your mood and metabolism.
With three targeted live strain blends, Complete Probiotic improves your mood so you can handle those in-laws while improving your metabolic health, so you still meet your wellness goals.
Chew Your Food
Digestion really does start in the mouth! Ever been in a hurry and chowed down like it’s an Olympic race? Or got that low-key sore throat because you maybe didn’t take as much time as you probably should have to chew? Turns out that’s not good for our digestion process, of which chewing is an essential part. Chanelle says: Most people need a boost, though, so supplementing with digestive enzymes can help ensure that the initial step of digestion isn't hindered.
Taking your time to chew through your meal is especially helpful when you’re eating carbs–and guess what Thanksgiving dinner is full of? Carbs. And BONUS... it also helps with tip number 5 (so keep reading!)!
Add in a Digestive Aid
You probably know what we mean when we use the expression “full to bursting.” It means you’ve gone past the point of “I probably should stop eating now.” With foods not on our regular menu, adding a digestive aid like Xyngular Complete Digestive Aid can reduce gas and bloat--helping you keep that top button buttoned.
Research also shows that ginger, one of the debloating botanicals in Complete Digestive Aid, can help increase gastric emptying, which is the body’s ability to empty food from the stomach. This is fabulous for a large meal like the ones we typically have for Thanksgiving. Ginger has also been shown to help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Psst... Complete Digestive Aid includes a broad spectrum of digestive enzymes to help break down all those extra carbohydrates, proteins, and sugars!
Don't Overeat
“Stop eating when you’re full” seems like a pretty basic concept, right? When our gut is out of whack, though, our satiety hormones can follow suit. By including specific probiotic strains in your wellness regimen, like those in the Complete Probiotic mood blend, you can help your body trigger hormones like CCK and ghrelin so that you feel full and just as importantly, satisfied.
Eat for a Fiber-Filled Day
Not only does fiber fill you up, but it helps keep your bowel movements regular. The last thing you need is to be backed up on Thanksgiving.
Pre-game by adding a packet of Xyngular Complete Prebiotic to your morning or early afternoon beverage (we vote it as the easiest way to get the best fiber). Taking it before your big meal can lower the glycemic impact of the food as well as help reduce weight gain.
We also recommend adding it to a smoothie, and if you don't have Complete Prebiotic, you can still get some of what you need from fiber-rich foods like those listed here.
No Gut Guilt!
Last, but certainly not least: BE KIND to yourself. Enjoy your food, enjoy your family, and enjoy your friends! Stress impedes the flow of digestion and can cause stomach upset.
The digestive system cannot function properly with too much stress or stimulation, and thanks to your gut-brain axis, that stress you feel can present in both your tummy and your mood. Remember to keep things in perspective--it's just one day. It won’t make or break your goals.
And wouldn’t it be nice if there was some way to check all of that off your list at once? Well, we know there is because we made it. Maybe it’s a little biased, but we’ve done the research and the Xyngular Tummy Tamer is the easiest way to support your body’s whole digestive process (yes, that means weight loss and flat tummies, if you’re into that), both on Thanksgiving and every other day of the year.
So, as you head into the holiday season, treat your body with kindness and support it with the best supplements for health, wellness, and happy tummies! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
