Are You Ready For This...?

Ah, the holidays!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I know this because it is the week after my birthday. Starting with my birthday on November 21, what follows are the holidays filled with eating...lots and lots of eating! In keeping with the spirit of the season, I found this little bit of wisdom in the Farmer's Almanac and couldn't resist bringing it to you.

By the way, the comments in red are mine and not from the Almanac, just so you know. OK?

Looking forward to some big feasts this season? Here are a few ways to avoid heartburn:

Eat slowly and chew thoughtfully.
(I always chew slowly and think about what I'm eating, don't you?)

Wear loose clothing. Loosen your belt to prevent pressure on your stomach.
(In my family, loosening your belt is almost automatic and usually after a big meal, no matter how loose my clothing started out, it ends up tight!)

Avoid overeating. Fill your plate only once, with a reasonable amount of food.
(I'm sure this is very good advice, but it sure is hard to fill your plate only once when faced with all the wonderful goodies that show up on the table or buffet!)

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, fatty or fried foods, mint, tomatoes, and spicy foods.
(If I followed this list of things to avoid, then it pretty much kills the whole thanksgiving meal!)

Avoid bending over just after the meal.
( This one is a no brainer for me and most of the people I know...after a big meal I could NOT bend over and tie my shoe if my life depended on it!)

Take a walk or undertake some other light exercise an hour or two after eating.
(Take a walk? That's easy to follow...I walk from the table to the couch, from the couch to the patio, from the patio to the forbidden coffee pot and back. Is that enough walking?)

Wait at least 3 hours before lying down. Before you fall asleep, elevate your head with an extra pillow.
(This would be a slight problem, except for the fact that after a rather large meal, I can take a nap standing up! So not a problem.)

In all honesty, this is really good information for all to follow. In fact, my Mother's doctor gave her nearly the same guidelines to follow for her acid reflux. Considering that this article was originally published in 1892, that's pretty good!

Now while we are still allowed access, let's go have a fresh cup of coffee.