UPDATE: As families finalize their Thanksgiving plans, experts are emphasizing the importance of dinner timing to avoid post-meal drowsiness. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the debate on whether turkey makes you sleepy is heating up, and chefs are weighing in on the best time to serve dinner.
Thanksgiving 2023 is set for November 23, and many families in the United States are gearing up for their feasts. Traditionally, dinner is served anywhere from 2 PM to 7 PM, but experts suggest that earlier meals may be beneficial.
Authorities at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai note that turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can lead to drowsiness. However, the real culprit may not just be the turkey itself but rather the sheer volume of food consumed during the holiday. Professional chefs, including California-based Brendan Collins, are urging families to consider their eating habits on Thanksgiving.
“It’s not just the turkey,” Collins explained. “We tend to overeat, leading to what we call food comas.” This sentiment is echoed by John Carpenter, an executive chef at Signature Restaurant at La Cantera Resort and Spa in Texas, who highlights that heavy meals and alcohol consumption contribute to feelings of sleepiness.
With the average Thanksgiving meal featuring rich foods like stuffing and pumpkin pie, experts recommend serving dinner earlier in the day. “For me, it’s early in the afternoon,” Carpenter stated. “It allows for more time after the meal to relax with family.”
Research suggests that eating earlier could also improve physical health. A 2022 study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that late-night meals can negatively affect energy regulation. Those eating dinner as late as 9 PM experienced detrimental effects on energy intake and expenditure.
Chefs provide practical advice for the big day. Carpenter recommends lighter meals in the days leading up to Thanksgiving to prepare for the feast. He also advises allowing two and a half to three hours for meal preparation on the day itself.
Families with children under 10 years old are encouraged to serve dinner around 2 PM or 3 PM, while adults may prefer a slightly later time, around 4 PM or 5 PM.
Despite the logistical challenges of Thanksgiving, chefs stress the importance of keeping the celebration enjoyable. “Don’t stress too much about the food,” Collins added. “Thanksgiving is about reconnecting with family and friends.”
As you finalize your Thanksgiving plans, consider these expert recommendations to ensure a joyous and energetic celebration. With the right timing, you can make your Thanksgiving dinner a delightful experience for everyone involved.