Starling Fitness: Daily writings on Fitness, Diet, and Health

For the last few years, I’ve been hearing that the tryptophan in turkey is what makes you sleepy, but Cheryl Koch from Yahoo! Health has a different idea:

• Expert Blogs Eat Right, Stay Fit – The Truth About Those Thanksgiving Naps on Yahoo! Health

She says tryptophan would need to be taken on an empty stomach with no protein in order to make you sleepy enough for a nap. Here is the true culprit…

“What will make you drowsy? Consuming a large meal that’s high in fat definitely helps. Remember that the larger the portions and the richer the meal, the more energy that’s required to digest it. In addition, digestion directs energy away from other organs, including the brain, making you feel lethargic and sleepy. Finally, consuming alcohol as part of your holiday celebration also is likely to slow you down and add to your need for a nap.”

So, tomorrow, remember to eat light and go easy on the alcohol to keep the droopy eyelids away. Suggesting a brisk walk outside in the cool air would be even better.