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Is your heavy meal making you feel sleepy? Uncover the reasons behind food comas and find practical solutions to stay alert and energised.
Picture this: you’ve just devoured a feast, your plate now empty, and suddenly a wave of drowsiness washes over you, rendering you powerless against the notorious food coma.
A food coma, also grandly known as postprandial somnolence, is a state of drowsiness or sleepiness that occurs after consuming a large, heavy meal. It typically happens due to the body’s increased blood flow and energy directed towards digestion, which can make you feel lethargic and tired. Research suggests that food coma lasts up to 4 hours after consuming a substantial meal. Nevertheless, certain types of food are more likely to induce a food coma than others. At this point you might be wondering about the changes you can make to avoid the post feast slumber. Fret not, your food coma battle buddies are here to the rescue. In this article, we will unveil the enigmatic phenomenon of food coma and the tips to overcome its effects.
Not every meal leads to food coma. It tends to strike only after the most indulgent of excesses. Common symptoms experienced during a food coma include sleepiness, lethargy, physical exhaustion, low energy levels and poor concentration. While there’s no single theory about food coma, one thing’s for sure – it can be triggered by a heavy meal rich in carbs, proteins, and sugar. Not drinking enough water before and during your meal, inadequate and irregular sleeping schedule, allergies and nutrient deficiencies are all contributing factors to experiencing a food coma. Read on to discover some tips to overcome its effect.
1/4 Regulating eating habits
Photo: Courtesy of Livestrong.com
Dividing big meals into smaller portions and opting for a liquid component like soup or smoothie can help maintain alertness after lunch or dinner. Additionally, increased intake of water before and during meals can aid in digestion while helping to fill you up, leading to the consumption of smaller portions.
2/4 Prioritising quality sleep
The quality and regularity of sleep is of utmost importance,as it helps maintain energy levels therefore preventing mid-day slump. This can be achieved by establishing a consistent sleep routine. It is crucial to remember that, while caffeine intake helps with energy levels, consuming too much can disturb your sleep cycle resulting in fatigue, it should be avoided at least 6 hours prior to bedtime.
3/4 Incorporating fibre-rich foods
Incorporating foods high in fibre such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables not only provide the feeling of fullness but also promote steady digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes.
4/4 Moderate Exercise
Instead of immediately sitting or lying down after a meal, it always helps to engage in light physical activity such as taking a short walk. This helps stimulate digestion while keeping you more alert and successfully combats drowsiness.
Whether it’s quality time with loved ones or staying focused at work, nobody wants to miss out on precious moments. Occasional post meal fatigue is normal, the strategies mentioned in this article can help reclaim your energy and vitality and do away with the afternoon yawns and desk drooping after lunch. Your journey to sustained energy starts now!
