Why Am I So Tired After Eating?

Food provides you with nutrients and vitamins that energize your body to get through your day. Unfortunately, many people find that they feel tired after eating a meal. There are a few possible reasons why you may feel sleepy after eating.

Your Food Choices

One reason why you feel so tired after eating could be due to the type of foods you eat. Your body has difficulty digesting processed foods, sweets, refined carbohydrates and high fat foods. When you eat, your body immediately breaks food down into smaller parts that are then absorbed your by your blood and carried to energize and nourish your cells. The healthier your food choices, the more nutrients can be delivered effectively to re-fuel your body and allow it to function properly. Junk foods like chips, french fries and cookies do not have any nutritional value. These foods tend to give you quick energy, but do not satisfy your hunger for very long, which ultimately makes you feel tired.

The Quantity of Food You Consume

The amount of food you eat is may be another reason you feel so tired after eating. If you eat fresh, healthy foods such as whole grains, nuts and fresh fruits and vegetables, whatever quantity you consume will normally not leave you feeling tired. Eating many processed or heavy foods (such as meat), however, will definitely result in making you feel uncomfortably full and fatigued.

Irregularity in Eating Habits

Many people skip breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast (or any other meal) will cause your body to feel weak and tired, which often leads to poor food choices. Skipping meals often causes people to grab the quickest foods available when hunger strikes. These foods tend to be unhealthy junk foods.

Food Allergies

If you are eating properly and still feel very tired after meals, you might be allergic to certain kinds of food. Celiac disease is a kind of food allergy to gluten, which includes many commonly-consumed foods such as wheat, barley and many condiments. People who have food allergies normally experience excessive bloating and gas, constipation or diarrhea, in addition to fatigue. You may need to consult your doctor to receive a special screening to determine the cause of your fatigue after eating.