Thanksgiving is known for overindulgence, and with that comes a natural consequence: gas. This year, consider embracing it with a “fart walk”—a deliberately extended walk after your meal to stimulate digestion and minimize bloating.
What is a Fart Walk?
The term gained traction on social media earlier this year as a playful way to encourage post-meal movement. A fart walk simply means walking for at least 10-15 minutes, enough to get your gastrointestinal tract moving. This isn’t just about releasing gas; it’s about improving digestion, regulating blood sugar, and keeping your metabolism active during a traditionally sedentary holiday.
Which Thanksgiving Foods Cause the Most Gas?
Several Thanksgiving staples are notorious for producing gas. The primary culprits fall into two categories: swallowed air and food broken down by gut bacteria.
- Air Swallowing: Eating quickly, chewing gum, or drinking carbonated beverages introduces excess air into your system.
- Bacterial Fermentation: Certain carbohydrates (fiber, raffinose, fructose, sorbitol) and starches that aren’t fully digested become fuel for bacteria in your colon, releasing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and sometimes methane.
Here’s a breakdown of common offenders:
- Green Bean Casserole: Beans are high in fiber, and dairy from cream-based sauces adds to the gas-producing potential. Fried onions contain fructans, another difficult-to-digest carbohydrate.
- Macaroni and Cheese: The starch in pasta and dairy in cheese combine for a potent gas mix.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and turnips are fiber-rich but also notorious for causing flatulence.
- Sweet Potatoes & Yams: These contain fructose and mannitol, sugars fermented by gut bacteria.
- Marshmallows: Pure sugar overload.
- Mashed Potatoes: Heavy dairy content exacerbates gas production.
- Stuffing: High starch content slows digestion.
- Cranberry Sauce: Loaded with sugar.
- Seltzer & Soda: Bubbles equal swallowed air.
- Alcohol: Slows digestion and contributes carbs for fermentation.
- Hot Dogs: High fat and ultra-processed ingredients impede digestion.
How to Take a Fart Walk
The ideal time for a fart walk is within an hour of eating, when blood sugar spikes. It doesn’t need to be strenuous; a casual outdoor stroll, group walk, cycling, or even light yoga can help. The goal is to keep your body moving and stimulate digestion.
If you can’t get others to join, simply excuse yourself and take a walk. Or remain active throughout the day—socialize, help with cooking, or even move vigorously during games or karaoke.
The Bottom Line: Thanksgiving is a time for enjoyment, and a little extra gas is inevitable. A fart walk isn’t about eliminating it entirely; it’s about managing it, improving digestion, and making the most of the holiday. Be thankful for your friends and family—gas and all.
