This article is dedicated to my boyfriend who refuses to eat anything with turkey for fear that he will become narcoleptic upon first bite….Guess what? I’m right–for a change. Turkey isn’t the culprit behind your food coma!

Everyone every year gives turkeys a bad name, bad mouthing them saying that they make us sleepy–saying they’re packed with tryptophan! What’s the deal? Turkey is often fingered as the culprit of your food coma but you might be interested to know that other food contains as much or more tryptophan than turkey (0.333 g per average edible portion), including chicken, pork, and cheese. As with turkey, other amino acids are present in these foods besides tryptophan, so they don’t make you sleepy.

Well, L-tryptophan is found in turkey and other dietary proteins, but it’s actually the carbohydrate-rich (as opposed to protein-rich) meal that increases the level of this amino acid in the brain and leads to serotonin synthesis. Carbohydrates stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. When this occurs, some amino acids that compete with tryptophan leave the bloodstream and enter muscle cells. This causes an increase in the relative concentration of tryptophan in the bloodstream. Serotonin is synthesized and you feel that familiar sleepy feeling.

Other reasons you’re feeling so tired after your big feast may include drinking alcohol, overeating and just relaxation (especially all you cooks out there who slaved all day!)

So stop blaming the turkeys for your overindulgence, blame the right animal, all you little piggies out there!!

Thanks to the folks at About.com for teaching me about turkeys and Tryptophan!!

More SCOOP discounts!!! Come one come all!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I can’t stop watching America’s Next Top Model but if I did it would be because “Miss” J nauseates me. “He” is so painful to watch.  The stylish douche’s book will include “inspiring advice, life lessons, and self-esteem coaching for all women” with Miss J’s “colorful anecdotes.” Who do they plan to read this? His voice is like nails on a chalkboard. What qualifies him to give life advice to girls? I know you want to be one Miss J, but you’re not. NOT NOT NOT!! Yes, you may be a runway Diva but please don’t think I will listen to you about anything other than to take bigger strides at a slower pace. How could anyone listen to you when you look like this…

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Print for use in store or use code online: FAMILY at checkout. Happy Shopping and Happy almost holidays to my favorite people (the ones who think reading what I have to say is worth their time). Tra la la la la la la la la

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!! I actually hate when people call T-giving Turkey Day but I mean, whatever. If we’re not celebrating eating turkey what are we celebrating? Stealing away everything from the Native Americans?  Hope you’re having a wonderfully unproductive day at work before the long weekend!!!

Love, Your Fave Pilgrim