I am writing this Blog a little groggy still from my nap. It is St Patrick's day and I made Corned Beef Potatoes, Cabbage and Carrots with Rye bread. We don't do a lot of starches during the week and about 30 minutes after I ate I started to feel a little tired. It overcame me and I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer I was asleep on the couch within 10 minutes. I knew this would be the consequences of eating that meal and splurging on three pieces of bread. This rapid sleepiness after a meal is what I called "Food Coma".
What is "food coma"? I guess the correct term is postprandial somnolence (post eating sleepiness). My grandfather has had this condition ever since I can remember. After having dinner every night he goes in the living room and is asleep in his chair within 15 minutes.
What causes "food coma"? When we eat the digestive process turns up our parasympathetic nervous system and turn down our sympathetic nervous system.
A simple way to understand these two systems :
-Parasympathetic let's you relax and digest your food –
-Sympathetic also called fight or flight let's you move quick and deal with stress.
"Food coma" also happens when the body spikes it's blood sugar or insulin levels and results in a bunch of brain hormones like melatonin also called the sleepy hormone and serotonin the happy hormone to be made. This brain chemistry change may be responsible for some food addictions which we will address in another article.
How to avoid Food Coma?
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Eat smaller portions . The larger the amount of food we eat at one time the stronger the parasympathetic response. This is why holiday meals where we usually over eat leaves us sleepy. Also if you are someone who only eats one meal a day and then falls asleep in front of the TV … that is FOOD COMA too. It can lead to some bad health problems down the road.
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Eat regularly (every 3-4 hrs) from your morning meal to your evening meal. This pattern will help maintain even insulin levels and has been proven to help release weight especially around the middle.
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Eat protein or full fats instead of refined carbs, breads and sugars. No more donuts or bagels for meals. Choices like a seeds, a delicious protein shake like Pure Protein would be a better choice for a meal. This maintains your energy until your next meal or snack.
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Use NingXia Red as a snack to keep blood sugar even. A fruit juice that naturally has protein and minerals in it . This drink can help decrease your cravings for the sweet or carbohydrate snacks. In fact Sally Sims says, “NingXia Red helped me release 70 lbs. I would drink 1 oz 3 times a day instead of my snacks.” To hear more of Sally's story go to this tele-class her story is at the end.
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Use Carbozyme . If you are going to eat breads, pizza, refined carbs, sugars use the digestive enzyme Carbozyme. It is not a carb blocker but rather a digestive enzyme that helps your body deal with the harshness of those foods. Clients love to have Carbozyme with them when eating out at Buffet or Family Style restaurants like Maggiano's. "I don't feel so stuffed and in pain if I overeat at my favorite restaurants" Jay Carter
So now you know a little bit more about what I call "Food Coma" and why you might get tired after a meal or snack. I encourage you to take some action to stop it because continuous spiking of blood sugars and the resulting hormone havoc not only lead to diabetes but also gaining weight around the middle.
If you would like some help with getting on track with your health visit our Wellness Coaching page to see how we can help you. We are hear to support you. Best of luck on your journey to wellness.
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I can relate since I induce a coma all too often. I get so “heavy” with fatigue and feel so lethargic I have no ambition. Excellent tips to prevent this from reoccurring. I want to feel energized and ready to start walking.
Great post Mary and one I really need to follow! I just got all the Young Living products you recommended. Thank you!