How to Stay Comfortable on Thanksgiving (Without Missing Your Favorite Foods)

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate family, gratitude, and great food—but it’s also the day when people tend to eat far beyond their comfort level. At Husney Medical, we see a significant increase in patients reporting bloating, acid reflux, constipation, abdominal pain, and hemorrhoid flare-ups immediately after the holiday. While the Thanksgiving table is filled with rich foods and endless portions, the goal isn't to restrict yourself—it’s to enjoy the holiday without sacrificing your digestive comfort or health.

Start Your Day With a Balanced Breakfast

Skipping breakfast before Thanksgiving often leads to overeating later in the day. A morning meal with protein and fiberhelps stabilize blood sugar and prevents uncontrollable hunger by dinnertime.
Good choices include eggs, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, or a protein shake. At Husney Medical, we encourage patients to avoid starting major meals on an empty stomach—your digestion works best when properly fueled.

Use the 50-25-25 Plate Method

To avoid digestive overload, build your Thanksgiving plate using this simple structure:

• 50% vegetables (salad, roasted vegetables, string beans)

• 25% lean protein (turkey)

• 25% starches (stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole)

This method keeps portions reasonable and supports smoother digestion, reducing your risk of bloating and heartburn—two of the most common post-Thanksgiving complaints we treat at Husney Medical.

Choose Your Favorites and Skip the Rest

With so many dishes on the table, it's easy to feel pressure to try everything. Instead, pick your top 1–2 favorite foodsand enjoy them mindfully. Whether it’s stuffing or pumpkin pie, you’ll feel more satisfied when you eat what you trulywant rather than grazing on everything. This approach is especially helpful for patients with IBS, GERD, or gastritis, who may be sensitive to certain holiday dishes.

Eat Slowly and Take Breaks Between Servings

Your stomach needs time to send fullness signals to your brain. Eating too quickly is one of the main reasons patients experience sharp abdominal pain and distention after Thanksgiving. Take pauses, sip water, and savor each bite. Before going for seconds, wait at least 10 minutes—you may realize you’re not hungry anymore.

Hydrate to Prevent Bloating and Reflux

Dehydration can worsen constipation, bloating, and heartburn. Drink water before and during your meal, and if you’re consuming alcohol, alternate each drink with a glass of water. This simple habit supports digestion and prevents the discomfort we commonly see in post-holiday appointments at Husney Medical.

Move After Eating to Support Digestion

A short walk after your Thanksgiving meal—just 10–15 minutes—can significantly help with digestion. Gentle movement stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, reduces bloating, and lowers your risk of reflux. Lying down immediately after the meal, on the other hand, often triggers heartburn and acid reflux, especially in patients with GERD.

Avoid Eating Late to Reduce Nighttime Symptoms

Late-night eating is a major trigger for reflux, stomach pain, and poor sleep. If your Thanksgiving dinner is scheduled later in the evening, try to keep portions moderate and avoid heavy, creamy dishes right before bed. At Husney Medical, we consistently advise patients with GERD or gastritis to allow 2–3 hours between eating and lying down.

Be Gentle With Yourself—It’s One Day

Thanksgiving is meant to be enjoyed. If you eat a little more than planned, don’t panic. Return to your normal routine the next day, prioritize hydration, and choose balanced meals. Your digestive system recovers quickly when supported with healthy habits.

If you experience any of the following after Thanksgiving, it may be time to schedule an appointment:

• Persistent bloating or abdominal pain

• Severe acid reflux or heartburn

• Blood in the stool

• Constipation lasting more than 2–3 days

• Hemorrhoid swelling or pain

• Nausea or vomiting after meals

At Husney Medical, we specialize in treating conditions such as GERD, IBS, hemorrhoids, gastritis, and chronic abdominal discomfort. We provide expert GI care across Brooklyn in a welcoming, patient-centered environment.

Need Relief After Thanksgiving? We’re Here to Help.

If you’re experiencing post-holiday digestive issues or want to improve your gut health, you can seek an appointment with Dr Husney at 718-872-5270.
We're committed to helping you feel better—during the holidays and all year long.