FOODS THAT MAKE YOU TIRED

When we think of food, we think of a source of energy, a way to re-fuel and power our bodies for our full day ahead. But all too often we eat, and then feel extra sluggish, or even exhausted afterward. What the heck is going on? Truth is, it might not be your fault. Some foods have a tendency to actually drain us, or give us the feelings of tiredness making for a zombie-like reality after your meals. So we’re looking at some common food culprits that may just be making you sleepy! When we think of food, we think of a source of energy, a way to re-fuel and power our bodies for our full day ahead. But all too often we eat, and then feel extra sluggish, or even exhausted afterward. What the heck is going on? Truth is, it might not be your fault. Some foods have a tendency to actually drain us, or give us the feelings of tiredness making for a zombie-like reality after your meals. So we’re looking at some common food culprits that may just be making you sleepy! 
 

Bread:

Carbs are a great source of energy, but, there’s a letdown to that…and that’s the plunge in your insulin levels after eating a refined carbohydrate like bread. (I thought I was just bored…from eating bread…)

Turkey: 

Turkey contains tryptophan which in the brain turns into a chemical that makes you tired. So you weren’t imagining it, turkey really does make you sleepy! (Turkey sandwich = bad idea!)

Dark Chocolate:

It’s good for you, but there’s a catch. Dark chocolate contains serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that helps you relax. (It’s true. Once I was asked to bring home some chocolate, and when I arrived with dark chocolate, I slept like a baby all night…on the couch!)

Bananas:

 Bananas are high in magnesium which is a mineral that acts as a muscle relaxant, which makes it a great before-bed snack, but can drain you during the day.

Lettuce:

I KNOW, right?!?! As it turns out, the milky sap in lettuce contains an opium-like substance, lactucin, that can cause your body to enter a more relaxed and sleepy state.

Tart Cherries:

Tart cherries, unlike their sweet sisters, are a natural source of melatonin, which is the hormone that helps you sleep. (Who picks them over the sweet ones anyway?)

Red Meat:

Red meat has a higher fat content which takes time and energy for your body to break down and digest, turning all that hard work into fatigue.

Salmon:

Salmon is often praised for its healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. However, that vitamin B6 is also what your body uses to produce the sleep hormone – melatonin. (So…red meat AND pink meat?)

Energy Bars:

Energy bars will give you that boost of energy that they promised – but they will also cause a crash afterward. Not to mention, some energy bars have as much sugar in them as a candy bar.