How Should You Feel After You Eat? What Does Mean?

After you eat, you should feel satiated – not too full and not left wanting more. The Goldilocks Rule.  

Energized? Mood Changes?

If you eat and, afterwards, feel energized this could be an indication of “roller coaster” low blood sugar levels correlating with erratic mood fluctuations. In other words, your sugar levels drop to lower than normal levels causing an increase in hunger pangs.  You may experience “hangry” signs and symptoms such as anger, irritability, and hunger. However, once you eat the feelings and hunger pangs begin to dissipate. The spiral of irritability, eating, and temporary relief spirals day in and day out with each and every new meal.

Sleepy? Feel Worse?

If you eat and feel worse, experience brain fog, and/or increased fatigue, you could have a form of insulin resistance or pre-diabetes. With these conditions, you are unable to unlock the magic (energy and vitality) from the foods you are consuming. For example, with insulin resistance your cells become resistant to the sugar-insulin complex and, as a result, are unable to burn your food for energy. 

How to Correct?

Mindful Eating: Chewing slowly and creating a nourishing and calming environment. On the opposite spectrum activities such as eating in the car, using or watching highly stimulating electronics, and aggressive or heated conversations can activate the stress response and fight/flight mechanisms of the body which decrease digestive enzyme production and overall absorption.  

Intermittent Fasting: Prolonged fasting windows over time can help to reset the cell’s insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Exercise: Concentrating on aerobic and strength training. 

Eating Whole Foods: Concentrating on green leafy vegetables. 

Supplements: Especially those that support mitochondria, sugar, and insulin regulation. Examples include nopal cactus, b-vitamins, CoQ10, gymnema extract, and ashwagandha.

Diagnostics?

Blood Work: CMP, Lipid Panel, Fasting insulin, HbA1c, AM Cortisol, CRP 

Saliva: Adrenal Stress Index Panel  

Urine: Organic Acids