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The Science Behind the Slump
It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving for you to enjoy a scrumptious meal with several courses and multiple helpings of your favorite foods. A birthday, a weekend, a get together of family and friends, can all lead to the same thing: indulgence. While memories over macros are encouraged in the FASTer Way program, we also know sometimes indulging can make you want to lay down and take a nap, for an hour or even a day.
Turns out, there’s some science behind that feeling. Let’s dig into it.
First, there’s a blood flow shift. When you eat, your body diverts blood to your digestive system to help process all that food. This means less blood flow to other parts of your body, including your brain, which can make you feel tired.
But, that’s not all. Eating a large meal, especially one high in carbohydrates, causes your blood sugar to spike. In response, your body releases insulin to help manage this sugar influx. This rapid rise and fall in blood sugar can leave you feeling drained. Ever heard of the crash? Candy isn’t the only thing that can make it happen!
Having a full tummy can also trigger the release of various hormones, including ones that promote sleepiness, like serotonin and melatonin. And, on top of that, when your parasympathetic nervous system kicks into gear after a meal, it promotes relaxation and digestion.
So, it's not just in your head - your body is literally gearing up for a nap after a big meal!
Beating the Post-Meal Bloat and Fatigue
Now that we know why we feel sluggish, let's talk about how to combat it. Here are some strategies to help you stay alert and energized after eating:
1. Portion Control: The simplest solution is often the best. Eating smaller meals can help prevent the extreme blood sugar spikes and excessive blood diversion that lead to sluggishness.
2. Balance Your Plate: Include a mix of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. This balance can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy.
3. Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, what feels like fatigue is actually mild dehydration. Drink water before, during, and after your meal to stay properly hydrated.
4. Take a Walk: A short walk after eating can help stimulate digestion and increase blood flow throughout your body, combating that sleepy feeling.
5. Mindful Eating: Eat slowly and mindfully. This can help prevent overeating and give your body time to register fullness.
6. Power Through with Peppermint: The scent of peppermint has been shown to increase alertness. Try some peppermint tea or a piece of sugar-free peppermint gum after your meal.
7. Catch Some Rays: If possible, get some sunlight after eating. Sunlight can help regulate your circadian rhythm and boost alertness.
When to Embrace the Food Coma
While we often want to avoid post-meal sluggishness, sometimes it's okay to lean into it. If you're eating dinner in the evening and don't have any pressing tasks, allowing yourself to relax after a meal can be a nice way to wind down for the night. Just be mindful of eating too close to bedtime, as this can interfere with sleep quality.
The Bottom Line
Feeling a bit sluggish after a big meal is a normal biological response. Your body is doing exactly what it's supposed to do - diverting energy to digestion. However, if this sluggishness is interfering with your daily life or productivity, the strategies we've discussed can help you manage it.
Remember, everyone's body responds differently to food. Pay attention to how different meals affect you, and don't be afraid to experiment with these tips to find what works best for you. With a little mindfulness and some smart strategies, you can enjoy your meals without falling victim to the dreaded food coma.
Bon appétit and stay energized!
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
The Science Behind the Slump
It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving for you to enjoy a scrumptious meal with several courses and multiple helpings of your favorite foods. A birthday, a weekend, a get together of family and friends, can all lead to the same thing: indulgence. While memories over macros are encouraged in the FASTer Way program, we also know sometimes indulging can make you want to lay down and take a nap, for an hour or even a day.
Turns out, there’s some science behind that feeling. Let’s dig into it.
First, there’s a blood flow shift. When you eat, your body diverts blood to your digestive system to help process all that food. This means less blood flow to other parts of your body, including your brain, which can make you feel tired.
But, that’s not all. Eating a large meal, especially one high in carbohydrates, causes your blood sugar to spike. In response, your body releases insulin to help manage this sugar influx. This rapid rise and fall in blood sugar can leave you feeling drained. Ever heard of the crash? Candy isn’t the only thing that can make it happen!
Having a full tummy can also trigger the release of various hormones, including ones that promote sleepiness, like serotonin and melatonin. And, on top of that, when your parasympathetic nervous system kicks into gear after a meal, it promotes relaxation and digestion.
So, it's not just in your head - your body is literally gearing up for a nap after a big meal!
Beating the Post-Meal Bloat and Fatigue
Now that we know why we feel sluggish, let's talk about how to combat it. Here are some strategies to help you stay alert and energized after eating:
1. Portion Control: The simplest solution is often the best. Eating smaller meals can help prevent the extreme blood sugar spikes and excessive blood diversion that lead to sluggishness.
2. Balance Your Plate: Include a mix of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. This balance can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy.
3. Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, what feels like fatigue is actually mild dehydration. Drink water before, during, and after your meal to stay properly hydrated.
4. Take a Walk: A short walk after eating can help stimulate digestion and increase blood flow throughout your body, combating that sleepy feeling.
5. Mindful Eating: Eat slowly and mindfully. This can help prevent overeating and give your body time to register fullness.
6. Power Through with Peppermint: The scent of peppermint has been shown to increase alertness. Try some peppermint tea or a piece of sugar-free peppermint gum after your meal.
7. Catch Some Rays: If possible, get some sunlight after eating. Sunlight can help regulate your circadian rhythm and boost alertness.
When to Embrace the Food Coma
While we often want to avoid post-meal sluggishness, sometimes it's okay to lean into it. If you're eating dinner in the evening and don't have any pressing tasks, allowing yourself to relax after a meal can be a nice way to wind down for the night. Just be mindful of eating too close to bedtime, as this can interfere with sleep quality.
The Bottom Line
Feeling a bit sluggish after a big meal is a normal biological response. Your body is doing exactly what it's supposed to do - diverting energy to digestion. However, if this sluggishness is interfering with your daily life or productivity, the strategies we've discussed can help you manage it.
Remember, everyone's body responds differently to food. Pay attention to how different meals affect you, and don't be afraid to experiment with these tips to find what works best for you. With a little mindfulness and some smart strategies, you can enjoy your meals without falling victim to the dreaded food coma.
Bon appétit and stay energized!
Subscribe to our blog
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
‘Tis the Season for a Food Coma: Why Big Meals Make You Sluggish and How to Beat It
The Science Behind the Slump
It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving for you to enjoy a scrumptious meal with several courses and multiple helpings of your favorite foods. A birthday, a weekend, a get together of family and friends, can all lead to the same thing: indulgence. While memories over macros are encouraged in the FASTer Way program, we also know sometimes indulging can make you want to lay down and take a nap, for an hour or even a day.
Turns out, there’s some science behind that feeling. Let’s dig into it.
First, there’s a blood flow shift. When you eat, your body diverts blood to your digestive system to help process all that food. This means less blood flow to other parts of your body, including your brain, which can make you feel tired.
But, that’s not all. Eating a large meal, especially one high in carbohydrates, causes your blood sugar to spike. In response, your body releases insulin to help manage this sugar influx. This rapid rise and fall in blood sugar can leave you feeling drained. Ever heard of the crash? Candy isn’t the only thing that can make it happen!
Having a full tummy can also trigger the release of various hormones, including ones that promote sleepiness, like serotonin and melatonin. And, on top of that, when your parasympathetic nervous system kicks into gear after a meal, it promotes relaxation and digestion.
So, it's not just in your head - your body is literally gearing up for a nap after a big meal!
Beating the Post-Meal Bloat and Fatigue
Now that we know why we feel sluggish, let's talk about how to combat it. Here are some strategies to help you stay alert and energized after eating:
1. Portion Control: The simplest solution is often the best. Eating smaller meals can help prevent the extreme blood sugar spikes and excessive blood diversion that lead to sluggishness.
2. Balance Your Plate: Include a mix of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. This balance can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy.
3. Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, what feels like fatigue is actually mild dehydration. Drink water before, during, and after your meal to stay properly hydrated.
4. Take a Walk: A short walk after eating can help stimulate digestion and increase blood flow throughout your body, combating that sleepy feeling.
5. Mindful Eating: Eat slowly and mindfully. This can help prevent overeating and give your body time to register fullness.
6. Power Through with Peppermint: The scent of peppermint has been shown to increase alertness. Try some peppermint tea or a piece of sugar-free peppermint gum after your meal.
7. Catch Some Rays: If possible, get some sunlight after eating. Sunlight can help regulate your circadian rhythm and boost alertness.
When to Embrace the Food Coma
While we often want to avoid post-meal sluggishness, sometimes it's okay to lean into it. If you're eating dinner in the evening and don't have any pressing tasks, allowing yourself to relax after a meal can be a nice way to wind down for the night. Just be mindful of eating too close to bedtime, as this can interfere with sleep quality.
The Bottom Line
Feeling a bit sluggish after a big meal is a normal biological response. Your body is doing exactly what it's supposed to do - diverting energy to digestion. However, if this sluggishness is interfering with your daily life or productivity, the strategies we've discussed can help you manage it.
Remember, everyone's body responds differently to food. Pay attention to how different meals affect you, and don't be afraid to experiment with these tips to find what works best for you. With a little mindfulness and some smart strategies, you can enjoy your meals without falling victim to the dreaded food coma.
Bon appétit and stay energized!
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