DO YOU FEEL SLUGGISH OR SLEEPY AFTER LUNCH?

Ever since I made a choice of eating healthy, I don't feel sleepy after lunch. In fact I feel alert and look forward to my walks in the late afternoons instead of taking my afternoon siesta. Now taking a nap is alright, if its to catch up on lost sleep or you want to give your body some rest. But if you feel sleepy or tired or sluggish after lunch, it means, you have consumed more carbohydrates or sugars and or fat, than necessary, which is not good on a regular basis.

Eating fast food, fried foods, sweets or those made from flour such as bakery products and pasta, causes your brain to make large amounts of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, that makes people fall asleep. Such food also causes blood sugar to rise higher than normal and you end up feeling tired and sleepy. You certainly can't afford to feel sleepy at work after breakfast or lunch. While its important for you to remain alert, it equally important to be in optimum health. Restrict foods high in flour, starch, sugars and fats. The food you consume, diverts your blood for digestion process. And based on what you eat at breakfast or lunch, this process can increase your energy levels, or it can cause sluggishness. Avoid fast foods and processed foods. Its okay to have it once in a while, but not on regular basis.

Never skip breakfast so that you are high on energy during the beginning of your day.  Eat light healthy foods like steamed vegetables, salads with low calorie salad dressing, grilled chicken or fish, yoghurt, fruits, nuts during lunch. Eat a little less at every meal; reduce the quantity of bread, rice and pasta you consume, cook your food using very little oil and experience the rise in energy levels. I was surprised when a friend of mine spent 5 hours with me and didn't drink take a sip of water!  When I reminded her, she said, she wasn't thirsty! Well, you see, you shouldn't wait until the red alert your body gives you, when you badly need to drink water. Our body requires about 2 litres of water every day (8 glasses) to carry out various functions.

Visit the doctor to make sure you don't have a medical condition or food intolerances particularly if you are eating healthy and still feel fatigued or sleepy after a meal. Your health is what you gift yourself with concious effort in following a healthy lifestyle and food habits. Making a healthy choice should not be a struggle.