How to Survive Holiday Overindulgence

By Angela Sellari

I’ll never forget the very first Thanksgiving dinner I prepared. My husband invited some of his Navy buddies over for dinner at the last minute, and up to that point my cooking repertoire consisted of tuna noodle casserole and spaghetti. Needless to say, I was ill prepared. Now, I’m able to whip up delicious meals that people just CAN’T put down. That’s why I’m excited to partner with Pepto-Bismol to share some ways to prepare for holiday overindulgence.

I vividly remember my mom’s telephone ringing off the hook that day as I frantically phoned with questions. “Was I supposed to thaw this turkey ahead of time? Do I need to peel these potatoes before I boil them?” Mom truly saved our Thanksgiving dinner that day, and four hungry sailors had a very late but edible (somewhat) Thanksgiving meal with friends.

As it turns out, my Thanksgiving dinners have improved to where I really feel like I have the hang of this holiday. Occasionally I’ll even get ambitious and try a new recipe that doesn’t quite turn out the way I envisioned. Luckily, I haven’t gotten anyone sick, only an upset stomach or two.

Thanksgiving is such an indulgent holiday. We eat turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie until we can eat no more, then we take a nap or watch the game and do it again. I personally make sure I have on a pair of pants with a good stretchy waistband. No kidding. You know you’ve done it too or at least thought about it.

Speaking of overindulgence, here are a few fun tidbits you can use at the table on Thanksgiving to show off your turkey knowledge:

• If you can’t make it through the daylong celebration of food, football and family be thankful that you weren’t around for the first Thanksgiving. That celebration took place in the fall of 1621 in Plymouth Colony between European settlers and the Wampanoag Indians and it lasted three days. Talk about a food coma. (Livescience.com)

• According to the National Turkey Federation, 88 percent of Americans have turkey on Thanksgiving. (Livescience.com)

• Turkey consumption has increased 104% since 1970. (University of Illinois Extension)

• Research has shown that people tend to gain about a pound each holiday season. (TIME)

So how does one fight Thanksgiving overindulgence? You assemble a Holiday SOS Kit. Pain reliever? Check. Phone charger? Check. Stain remover? Check. Pepto-Bismol? Check. Bring it on Thanksgiving!

You never know when something will taste so good you can’t put it down. Better safe than sorry, why not pack a bottle of Pepto with you when you attend Thanksgiving this year. You’ll be the most popular person there.

So if you’re dealing with any nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, or diarrhea this Thanksgiving be sure to grab a bottle of Pepto. I’ll have my bottle handy. Here’s a Pepto-Bismol coupon you can use!

Follow the #PinkRelief hashtag for more holiday tips.