Supportive Hormone Tips For A Happy Thanksgiving

It is that time of year again where we are all coming together to share delicious food and spend time with the people we love most.

I wholeheartedly believe that home-cooked meals carry a high vibrational and nutritional energy that cannot be recreated anywhere else.

There is something to food that is cooked with intention and love, you know?

It is this type of intentional energy that transforms the way we process and digest the food we eat.

Did you know that it has been proven that we better digest and absorb the nutrients in our food when we we are in a calm and relaxed state?

There is a science to this! Really…

When our body feels relaxed, our digestive system has the space to “turn on” and get to work breaking down nutrients.

It’s actually pretty awesome.

But I get it, sometimes the stress of all that holiday food (and sometimes the stress of family! lol) can bring anxiety instead of the calm and ease we are looking for.

And if you’re someone who is struggling with digestion and food allergies… you may be worried about how all this holiday food is going to affect your body, too.

I’ve been there (especially during the depths of my endometriosis struggles!) so I’ve compiled a few tools and recipes to help you bust through any anxiety and have the best Thanksgiving this year.

Thanksgiving Tips

1.  Never feel guilty about choosing food that makes your body feel GOOD.

If you know that filling your body with a ton of extra sugar from processed carbs and desserts is going to make you feel “icky” make a mindful and loving swap instead!

You never have to feel guilty about politely declining a dish on behalf of your health.

And of course, if you have food allergies or sensitivities that cause you digestive distress…sticking to foods that nourish your body might be totally worth it for you.

My advice is to focus your thoughts on how you want to feel throughout the day and the days following.

Choosing a couple “swaps” at your Thanksgiving dinner may be exactly what you need.

For example, my mom is making pumpkin pie this year.

She bought a gluten-free crust for me because she knows gluten upsets my stomach (she is the sweetest).

I shared this amazing pumpkin pie recipe with her that is full of nourishing and supportive ingredients that I know will leave me feeling less bloated but still TOTALLY satisfied.

It is a win-win in my book!

Now, on the other hand…

2. Do not feel guilty about choosing food outside of your “typical” hormone supportive metabolic diet.

If you absolutely freaking LOVE your mom’s pumpkin pie recipe (full of all the gluten, dairy and sugar 😆) eat that pie with absolute enjoyment and satisfaction, my friend!

Your body is incredibly self-healing and one day of food outside of your “norm” is NOT going to make or break your hormone healing.

Sure, it might make you feel a little bloated and tired for the day… but that might be totally worth it for the enjoyment of your loved-ones home-cooked meal.

So LEAN INTO the food this holiday season if that is what feels best for you and your body.

No guilt. No pressure.

Take a few deep calming breaths to prep your digestive system (for real!!!)…and eat up, sister!

3. Don’t forget your digestive supports

I am a huge fan of supporting my belly throughout the entire year and that doesn’t change around the holidays.

If anything, supporting your digestion becomes even more important!

If you are looking to support your digestion this holiday season, below are a few of my favorite options.

1. Take a good digestive enzyme to help you break down nutrients.
2. Consider using digestive bitters before each meal.
3. Bring some bone broth to sip on before or after meals.
4. Consider bringing supportive teas to ease bloating.

Are you looking for some Thanksgiving recipe inspiration?

Try out these recipes from a few of my favorite food bloggers and recipe developers below.

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

 Here is to a deliciously happy and healthy Thanksgiving, my friends!

P.S – If you’re looking for support on your hormone healing journey, check out my Healing Hormones Library. This resource is full of all the training videos and “done-for-you handouts” that will guide you choosing supportive nutrition, healing your gut/liver, and easing stress for overall hormone balance.