As the holiday season approaches, turkey takes center stage on many tables—but did you know that turkey has benefits beyond delicious flavor? Rich in tryptophan, this seasonal favorite has a unique ability to support restful sleep, a fact known for centuries.
In this post, we’ll explore why high-quality, pasture-raised turkeys are essential for wellness, how our ancestors used to harvest and prepare this nourishing bird, and how you can bring those traditions into your kitchen this holiday season.
Why Tryptophan in Turkey is a Natural Sleep Aid
Turkey is famously high in tryptophan, an amino acid known for promoting relaxation and supporting the body’s production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep cycles. Eating tryptophan-rich foods like turkey in the evening can naturally ease the body toward restful sleep, making it a great choice for holiday meals that end the day on a cozy note.
This connection between turkey and sleep is more than just an old wives’ tale; studies have shown that tryptophan can effectively improve sleep quality by increasing sleep efficiency and reducing the time it takes to fall asleep.
So when you’re gathering around the table, you’re not just enjoying a nourishing meal—you’re also tapping into one of nature’s sleep aids.
Turkey and Ancestral Wisdom: The Communal Harvest
For our ancestors, the turkey harvest was more than a meal; it was a ritual of community, gratitude, and sustainable living. Before factory farming and grocery stores, people came together to harvest and prepare food as a way to celebrate the bounty of the season. Indigenous tribes and early settlers alike saw turkeys as gifts from nature, and their preparation was a communal event filled with gratitude and reverence.
Families would gather to prepare the bird, often roasting it slowly over open flames or in clay ovens, savoring not just the flavors but the time spent together. It was a time to share, give thanks, and connect with each other.
Today, bringing these traditions into our own kitchens can remind us of the beauty of communal eating and mindful meal preparation.
The Benefits of Sourcing High-Quality, Pasture-Raised Turkey
In today’s world, the source of our food has never been more important. Many commercially available turkeys are raised in confined, industrial settings and are often given antibiotics, GMO feed, and other additives that compromise both the bird’s health and ours.
In contrast, pasture-raised, corn- and soy-free turkeys—like those from Millers Bio Farm, Northstar Bison, White Oak Pastures, and Primal Pastures—are raised without antibiotics and live in open spaces, consuming a natural diet.
Choosing a quality turkey from these sources not only supports small, sustainable farms but also ensures that your meal is free of unwanted chemicals, excess sodium, and additives commonly found in store-bought turkeys. The result? A nutrient-dense, flavorful bird that’s packed with high-quality protein and essential nutrients that our bodies can easily process.
Bringing Ancestral Cooking Methods Into Your Holiday Kitchen
Bringing turkey to your holiday table in an ancestral way means focusing on slow cooking, simple flavors, and intentional preparation. This year, I’m excited to share my Animal-Based Holiday Menu 2024, featuring step-by-step instructions on how to prepare, season, and cook your bird for the most flavorful and nutritious results. The menu also includes a variety of recipes to complete your feast: 3 appetizers, 3 main dishes, 2 sides, 2 desserts, and 3 bonus recipes! From brining to roasting, each recipe combines ancestral wisdom with modern techniques to create a truly memorable meal.
You can also follow me on my socials (IG, YT, TikTok) post food coma with ideas for using leftover turkey to create delicious, nutrient-rich dishes, making it a fantastic meal prep tool. Leftover turkey can be transformed into bone broth, turkey stew, or even a hearty cold and saucy turkey lunch bowl—perfect for extending the harvest and enjoying nutrient-dense meals all week long.
A Thanksgiving to Remember!
Choosing a pasture-raised, high-quality turkey and preparing it with ancestral methods can transform your meal into a celebration of health, community, and rest. Not only will your family enjoy the benefits of a nutritious, delicious bird, but they’ll also experience the grounding effects of eating in alignment with ancestral wisdom.
Let’s make this season one of real nourishment, true rest, and mindful gathering. If you’re looking to add that extra touch to your holiday feast, check out my Animal-Based Holiday Menu 2024—your guide to bringing ancestral traditions and wellness to your table.
Happy holidays, and here’s to bringing community, quality, and rest back to the table!
