10 Tips to Do Thanksgiving the Gut-Friendly Way

10 Tips to Do Thanksgiving the Gut-Friendly Way

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, togetherness and – let’s be real – the food. From buttery mashed potatoes to pumpkin pie, it’s one of the most delicious (and heaviest) meals of the year. But while your taste buds might be cheering, your gut might not be as thankful.

The good news? With a few smart tweaks, you can enjoy every bite without the post-feast discomfort. Here are 10 ways to make your Thanksgiving feast gut-friendly, plus a few Enzymedica favorites to help your digestive system thrive.

1. Graze and Come Back for More

Instead of piling your plate sky-high, start small and savor the moment. Eating slowly gives your body time to release digestive enzymes and signal fullness before you overdo it. Enjoy the flavors, then come back for seconds if you’re truly hungry.

Gut tip: Eating in smaller portions helps your digestive system keep up with the feast.

2. Slow Down and Chew Your Food

Chewing is the first step in digestion, and rushing through your meal can leave your gut struggling. Aim to chew until your food is a paste, to help your stomach do less work and make nutrients easier to absorb.

Bonus: You’ll taste more and feel satisfied sooner.

3. Don’t Skip Breakfast

Skipping breakfast before any big meal can backfire. When you show up starving, you’re more likely to overeat and stress your digestion.

Start your day with a fiber-rich smoothie or a small protein-packed breakfast to keep blood sugar steady.

Try this: Add Let’s Go Fiber+ from Enzymedica for an easy morning boost that helps your gut stay balanced all day.

4. Prep Carbs Ahead of Time to Turn Them into “Gut Gold”

Did you know that refrigerating or freezing cooked carbs like mashed potatoes, stuffing or dinner rolls for at least a day transforms their starches into resistant starch?

That means they feed your good gut bacteria, not your blood sugar spikes. So, prep ahead — your microbiome will thank you. Learn more about resistant starch. 

5. Be Prepared for Your Problem Foods

If you know certain dishes don’t always sit right (think creamy casseroles, gluten-heavy rolls or high-fat sides) come prepared.

Digestive enzymes can make all the difference.

  • Digest Spectrum® is for pretty much every food you’ll encounter, from gluten to carbs. 
  • Lacto™ helps your body handle dairy protein, sugar and the rest of the meal (except gluten).
  • GlutenEase® supports gluten digestion (so you can enjoy that stuffing stress-free).*
  • Lypo Gold™ supports fat digestion, perfect for butter, cream and gravy.*

6. Spice Things Up

Add a digestive boost naturally with spices! Ginger and peppermint help soothe the stomach, while cinnamon, nutmeg and clove support healthy digestion. Try ginger or peppermint tea after dinner, or sprinkle extra spices in your pumpkin pie.

7. Swap the Nap for a “Fart Walk”

We know: The post-dinner nap is tradition. But instead of snoozing right after the feast, go for a light 15-20 minute walk.

Walking helps stimulate digestion and reduces bloating (plus, it’s a fun way to keep family traditions active). You can (and should) always nap later!

8. Serve a Salad with Vinaigrette

Kick off the meal with a fiber-filled salad topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. The acidity helps prime your stomach for digestion, and the fiber helps slow the absorption of carbs.

Bonus support: Enzymedica’s Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules can also help promote healthy digestion – without the vinegar taste.*

9. Stay Hydrated

Between the wine, coffee and rich foods, your body can get dehydrated fast. Water is essential for healthy digestion and helps keep you regular, too. Aim for a glass before and after each meal. Add a slice of lemon or cucumber for extra flavor.

10. Remember Food is About More Than Fuel

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t just about what’s on your plate — it’s about connection and digestive happiness.

So enjoy your Mom’s apple pie, your favorite green bean casserole and the bakery rolls you ordered weeks in advance. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s balance. With a little gut support and mindful eating, you can have it all and feel great doing it.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean discomfort. With a little prep and the right digestive support, your gut can feel just as thankful as your taste buds.

Enzymedica’s Thanksgiving Digestive Essentials:

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