Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and inevitably, complex conversations around the dinner table. For many, the 2024 election results have added another layer of tension to the holiday. If you're dreading sitting across from family members with opposing political views, you're not alone. The good news? While you may not be able to avoid political chatter completely, your Thanksgiving feast can serve as more than just a meal—it can be your secret weapon for maintaining mental balance and emotional well-being.

Here are five Thanksgiving staples to look for on the table, each offering nutritional benefits that promote positive mental health, according to Jaya Jaya Myra. Jaya Jaya Myra is a former immunologist turned mind-body wellness expert and bestselling author.

1. Turkey

Turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving spread, and for good reason. It's a fantastic source of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin—a neurotransmitter that boosts mood, promotes calmness, and improves sleep. Balanced serotonin levels are essential for emotional regulation, especially when you're navigating touchy conversations with relatives. So, go ahead and enjoy that slice of turkey—it's not just delicious, it's the food for mood

2. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, both of which help stabilize blood sugar levels. This translates to steady energy and fewer mood swings. High in vitamin B6, these vibrant tubers also play a crucial role in mood regulation. From an Ayurvedic perspective, sweet potatoes are considered a rasayana, meaning they support overall health and emotional harmony. Add them to your plate, and you might just find yourself feeling more grounded throughout the day.

3. Pumpkin

Whether it's in a pie or roasted, pumpkin deserves a place on your Thanksgiving menu. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins A and C, pumpkin helps reduce inflammation in the brain and body, which is linked to better mental well-being. Its seeds are also a fantastic source of tryptophan, enhancing serotonin production and supporting a happier, calmer you.

4. Brussels Sprouts

Love them or hate them, Brussels sprouts are nutritional powerhouses. These tiny cabbages are loaded with folate, vitamin C, and fiber—all critical for brain health and emotional stability. Folate, in particular, is known to help reduce symptoms of depression, while fiber supports gut health, which has a direct impact on serotonin production. If you're looking to support your mood and mental clarity, don't skip these greens.

5. Cranberries

Cranberries may be small, but they pack a powerful punch. High in antioxidants and vitamin C, these tart berries can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are often linked to mood disorders. Whether served as a sauce or dried in a salad, cranberries can boost mental resilience and keep you feeling balanced during those high-stakes family discussions.

Food as a Force for Good

“Food is perhaps one of the most accessible and most powerful ways to regulate and shape our mental and emotional health,” says Jaya Jaya Myra, best-selling author and mindfulness expert. “Use it as a force for good this holiday season.”

By choosing the right foods, you can support your emotional well-being and set the tone for a calmer, more harmonious Thanksgiving. While food alone won't solve all your holiday woes, it can serve as a valuable ally in maintaining mental clarity and emotional balance when tensions rise.

Mindfulness at the Table

Beyond the physical benefits of these foods, mindfulness plays a key role in keeping the peace this Thanksgiving. Jaya Jaya Myra emphasizes the importance of staying present and choosing your battles wisely. “The election results have fueled a lot of debate, but there is no debate about whether we need to do everything we can to keep ourselves sane this Thanksgiving,” she says.

Mindfulness doesn't have to be complicated. Take a deep breath before responding to provocative comments. Focus on the flavors of your meal rather than the noise around you. And remember, sometimes silence is the best response.

This Thanksgiving, let your plate be a tool for mindfulness and emotional regulation. By choosing foods that support mental health and practicing a little extra patience, you can transform even the most contentious family gathering into a moment of gratitude and connection. And who knows? You might even find common ground over a shared love of pumpkin pie.

About Jaya Jaya Myra

Jaya Jaya Myra, is a former immunologist turned mind-body wellness expert and bestselling author. She has been featured in hundreds of media interviews globally, including TODAY, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, The Los Angeles Times, The Times of India, The Toronto Sun, Forbes, Parents, Woman's World, Reader's Digest, and hundreds more outlets. Her nonprofit, Gita for the Masses, is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization created to help people overcome obstacles and be victorious in life.