🤸‍♂️ Why Festive Feasting Leaves You Feeling Tired
Dec 27, 2024 1:12 pm
Did you notice this over Christmas
Firstly, I hope you've had an amazing festive break!
but This happened to me, and wanted to see if it did for you too,
Did you notice how tired you felt after eating on Christmas Day and Boxing Day?
You’re not alone—it happened to me too. It's fascinating how the foods we choose can have such an immediate impact on our energy levels.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
1. Processed Foods Spike and Crash Your Energy
Many festive treats are loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and simple carbs. These cause a rapid spike in blood sugar (yay, temporary energy!) followed by a sudden drop (hello, post-meal nap). This rollercoaster effect leaves you feeling sluggish and lethargic.
Think about it: if someone’s day-to-day diet consists mainly of processed foods, they must feel like this every day. No wonder energy drinks are so popular!
2. Your Gut Microbiome Is Overwhelmed
Processed foods lack fibre and contain additives that disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria. A stressed microbiome can cause bloating, brain fog, and tiredness. On top of that, digestion becomes more taxing, stealing energy your body could use elsewhere.
3. High-Calorie Meals Demand More Energy to Digest
Christmas feasts tend to be heavier and higher in fat. While your digestive system works overtime to break everything down, less energy is available for your brain and muscles—making you want to curl up on the couch.
4. Inflammation from non whole food Ingredients
Ingredients like refined oils and sugars trigger low-grade inflammation. This isn’t the kind of inflammation you notice right away but a subtle, systemic response that can leave you feeling fatigued.
So, what can we learn from this?
The occasional indulgence is a joyful part of life, but it’s a powerful reminder of how much better we can feel with just a few simple changes to our daily diet. Swapping out processed foods for whole, nutrient-dense options can:
- Stabilize energy levels.
- Improve digestion.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Make you feel alert and alive after meals instead of reaching for the nearest blanket.
Small changes—like including more vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats—can drastically level up how we feel every single day.
Here’s to starting the New Year with foods that fuel us and the wisdom to enjoy treats without guilt or exhaustion.
What’s one small change you can make today to nourish your body? I
’d love to hear your thoughts!
As we prepare for heading into 2025, I'm ecstatic to be here to share with you more insights, support and health guidance
Best wishes,
Tom