Dietitian: Food coma isn't bad for you, but you can avoid it

The turkey tends to bare the brunt of the blame for food coma, a term coined for the sleepy feeling you get after eating a big meal.

Allison Rossow, a registered dietitian at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's, said tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey that plays a part in the production of serotonin, isn't responsible for the feelings associated with food coma.

Because of the breakdown and transport with the tryptophan, there's not really a large amount that reaches the brain. It's not enough that would produce that feeling," she said. "Other foods like chicken have similar amounts of tryptophan in and we don't feel sleepy after eating chicken."

So what really does cause a food coma?

Rossow said studies show that having a full belly from overindulging in not just turkey, but other popular holiday foods, makes people feel sleepy. Alcohol and stress also contribute to the mysterious phenomenon of food coma, according to Rossow.

"Cooking and shopping and all of those things -- that's more likely the combined things that are causing our food comas," she said.

Rossow said experiencing a food coma isn't harmful to the body. Indulging on your favorite foods one day a year, she said is OK. She recommends not trying to fight the sleepy feelings that come with food coma.

"Take that nap if you need it," she said.

If you're looking to avoid a food coma this Thanksgiving or Christmas, there are some steps you can take.

Take a brisk walk after you finish cooking or after the meal, which Rossow said will help stave off food coma.

She also suggests avoiding snacking throughout the day and utilizing My Plate, a strategy of thinking about what goes on your plate before you eat. My Plate focuses on making healthy food and beverage choices from all five food groups including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods and dairy to get the nutrients you need. Select a low-fat dairy option and limit yourself to a small piece of dessert.

Rossow advises choosing foods that you normally wouldn't eat on the other days of the year. Instead of wasting your grain allotment on a dinner roll, she said you should have your grandma's hash brown casserole that you love so much, for example.

"Partake and enjoy and have your favorite foods, but you can still do it in a moderate way and not overindulge," she said. "All of those Thanksgiving foods can fit into My Plate."