“What’s the secret to savoring Thanksgiving dinner without ending up in a food coma for the next three days?”

This is the question almost every woman in perimenopause asks me this time of year.

And if you’re already nodding, you’re in good company.

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a day of connection, gratitude, and joy…

Yet for so many midlife women, it turns into:

• bloating that makes you unbutton your pants before dessert

• brain fog that takes over the entire weekend

• inflammation that makes every joint feel stiff

• digestive distress

• exhaustion that hits before the dishes are even done

And here’s the part most women never hear:

It’s not your fault.
It’s not “overeating.”
It’s not lack of discipline.
It’s your physiology. And it’s changing.

When your hormones shift, your digestion shifts too — and Thanksgiving creates a perfect storm that your midlife body simply wasn’t built to navigate without support.

But the empowering news?
With a handful of simple, smart adjustments, you can enjoy every bite of Thanksgiving dinner and wake up the next morning feeling grounded, energized, and fully yourself.

Let’s walk through it together.

Why Thanksgiving IS So Hard During Perimenopause

As estrogen declines, your digestion becomes more sensitive.
Then… along comes Thanksgiving with:

• richer food than usual

• unfamiliar oils and sauces

• sugar-heavy sides and desserts

• carb stacking (stuffing + potatoes + rolls)

• alcohol + stress

• family dynamics that spike cortisol in seconds

Your digestive enzymes can’t keep up.
Your nervous system goes into survival mode.
Your gut becomes reactive, inflamed, and overwhelmed.

And suddenly, the day that should feel joyful feels like a 72-hour recovery.

But you have more control than you think.

Your Midlife-Friendly Thanksgiving Strategy

These are the exact steps I use and teach my clients.

Before the Meal

Support your digestion before the feast.

✔ Eat a protein-rich breakfast
✔ Take a complete digestive enzyme 10–15 minutes before eating
✔ Walk for 10 minutes to support insulin sensitivity
✔ Practice 2–3 minutes of slow, intentional breathing

During the Meal

Help your body do its job with ease.

✔ Chew thoroughly
✔ Put your fork down between bites
✔ Eat in this order: protein → vegetables → starches
✔ Hydrate with water

After the Meal

Give your digestion a gentle boost.

✔ Take a 15–20 minute walk
✔ Sip peppermint or fennel tea
✔ Take your probiotic before bed

Supporting your digestion helps transform what you eat into energy instead of regret.

The Hidden Piece Everyone Misses: Stress

If your stress is high, your digestion slows dramatically.  This is why even “healthy” foods can feel heavy when you are:

• Hosting

• Traveling

• Your nervous system is overwhelmed

• Family tension is high

A few slow breaths can shift your body back into a healthier, more digestible state.

Your Next Step: Join The Midlife Metabolic Flip

If you’re ready to stop guessing…
If you’re tired of feeling inflamed, foggy, or exhausted after meals…
If you want a body that feels stable, energized, and supported…

Then it’s time for a new strategy — one specifically built for midlife women.

The Midlife Metabolic Flip shows you how to work with your hormones, not against them, so your energy, digestion, metabolism, and confidence finally move in the right direction.

Join The Midlife Metabolic Flip here!

You deserve to enjoy the holidays — and your life — without the crash afterward. Let’s help your body feel good again.”Supporting your digestion helps transform what you eat into energy instead of regret.”