by admin | Apr 19, 2025 | diet and nutrition, eating habits, food and drink, health and exercise, nutrition
Have you ever felt extremely fatigued or drowsy right after eating a meal? This phenomenon, often referred to as a food coma, is quite common, particularly following a hearty feast. If you’re curious about the reason behind this sensation, here’s an explanation for what causes it.
As you consume food, your body prioritizes digestive processes. Increased blood flow to your stomach and intestines aids in breaking down the consumed meals, consequently reducing the amount of blood available for maintaining high levels of alertness. This change can result in feelings of lethargy or sleepiness, particularly after eating sizable or rich dishes.
Certain kinds of cuisine tend to induce drowsiness post-consumption. Foods rich in carbs such as rice, bread, pasta, and potatoes can elevate your blood glucose rapidly, leading to an initial surge of vigor followed by a plunge into fatigue.
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Understanding blood sugar fluctuations can assist in avoiding tiredness after eating.
Additionally, consuming foods high in tryptophan—an amino acid present in items like turkey, chicken, dairy products, nuts, and seeds—can stimulate the body’s production of serotonin and melatonin. These hormones aid in relaxation and promote better sleep.
When you consume a larger meal, your digestive system must exert more effort. A big serving filled with fats or sugars can actually decelerate the process of digestion and leave you feeling heavy and sluggish. This is simply your body’s method of slowing things down for rest.
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Below are 3 causes for your post-meal drowsiness:
If you’re already exhausted or haven’t had sufficient rest the previous night, a well-filled stomach could be the last factor that sends you drifting off to sleep. Bad sleeping patterns can raise the likelihood of feeling sleepy following a meal, regardless of whether it was particularly hefty or not.
To prevent drowsiness right after your meal, consider consuming smaller servings, maintaining a well-balanced diet, going for a stroll post-eating, keeping yourself properly hydrated, and ensuring you get quality rest at night.
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by admin | Mar 13, 2025 | diet and nutrition, eating habits, food and drink, nutrition, psychology of everyday life
I see myself as a friendly, sensible, empathetic, and well-balanced individual… except
when I am hungry
At that moment, my patience disappears, my tolerance weakens, and every inconvenience feels like a direct attack on me. When my stomach growls with hunger, shortly after, I transform into my most basic form.
The only reason I exist is to place a piece of pizza into my mouth.
Anything that obstructs that becomes an obstacle.
cause for anger
And I’m not alone in this. This has also occurred for you. To my mom, to your significant other, to that colleague who unexpectedly turns grouchy during the day’s hustle.
It’s funny
How hunger causes anger in people
That’s indeed true. However, there are explanations just as astonishing yet inevitable for this phenomenon. So, let us explore what is truly happening within our bodies.
How can hunger influence our emotions?
so drastically?
Decrease in blood glucose
The brain relies nearly completely on glucose as its energy source. Think of it as the ‘fuel’ required for proper functioning. If we go without
for a considerable duration without food
, our glucose levels drop and the brain suffers. This hypoglycemia causes the brain to not function at 100%. You have probably felt more clumsy, tired, confused and, of course, more irritable when you have not eaten for a long time.
Stress hormone is triggered
When blood sugar levels drop, the brain triggers signals that prompt various organs into action.
secrete and discharge hormones that help increase glucose levels in the bloodstream
Within the body, several of these hormones include
epinephrine
and
cortisol
, also launched during these periods
stress
, which prepares the body to handle challenging circumstances, heightening tension and making us more likely to respond with aggression. This physiological process clarifies why we experience greater stress and discomfort when we’re hungry.
The brain prioritizes foraging
From an evolutionary perspective,
Hunger triggers a survival mode within the brain.
This state compels us to concentrate on acquiring sustenance, pushing other pursuits into the backdrop. Such concentration may result in
decreased patience and increased annoyance
In reaction to stimuli unrelated to food, this response serves as an adaptive mechanism to guarantee the intake needed for survival.
Unfavorable view of the surroundings
Hunger not only impacts our bodily processes but also alters how we perceive our surroundings. As stated
a study
In a study published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2022, researchers discovered that individuals tend to be more prone to certain behaviors when they feel hunger.
interpret external cues negatively
, leading to heightened irritability and anger. Furthermore, it was discovered that reduced blood sugar levels correlate with intensified sensations of frustration and agitation.
reduced capacity for managing feelings
These results indicate that hunger might alter how we assess circumstances and individuals, exacerbating emotional responses.
Has this ever occurred to you?
Next time you sense hunger transforming you into an unfriendlier persona, keep in mind that this is happening.
biological and psychological underpinnings
Behind that response. Grasping these processes can assist us in handling our feelings more effectively and preventing unwarranted disputes.
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by admin | Feb 20, 2025 | diet and nutrition, eating habits, health and exercise, healthy eating and living, nutrition
New research indicates that the body’s internal clock might influence the quantity and timing of food intake among teenagers.
The research revealed that teenagers dealing with being overweight or obese consumed higher calorie intake during late hours as opposed to their peers maintaining a normal weight.
“Before conducting this research, we were aware that the body’s internal clock influences appetite and metabolic processes,” explained Frank Scheer, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in the United States and an author of the study.
said in a statement.
Nevertheless, researchers aimed to determine whether this connection remained consistent “when detached from the impacts of environmental and behavioral rhythms, such as lighting, sleep patterns, and activity cycles.”
Scheer further noted that this research is the initial one to show that our food consumption is controlled by our internal body clock.
Over 50 teens ranging from ages 12 to 18 participated in this study, staying within a regulated indoor setting featuring subdued light conditions during their waking hours and total blackness throughout sleep periods across an duration of 11 days and 10 nights.
As part of the research, the subjects followed a 28-hour routine rather than adhering to the usual 24-hour day-night cycle. The scientists mentioned that the participants were deprived of both timepieces and daylight to prevent external factors from affecting their internal body clocks.
According to the research findings, scientists monitored the timing and quantity of food intake and discovered that adolescents’ eating patterns were affected by their internal circadian rhythm or natural bodily clock.
Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
,
Participants consumed the largest quantities during the late afternoon and early evening, with the smallest amounts eaten in the morning.
Teenagers dealing with weight issues such as being overweight or obese consumed more calories during later meals.
Advantages of Maintaining a Regular Routine for Physical and Mental Well-being
“We have yet to completely grasp the connections between behavioral patterns, body clocks, and food consumption, as well as which influences which,” said David Barker, an associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University in the U.S., who was also one of the researchers involved in the study, during his conversation with Euronews Health.
He noted in an email that adhering to a regular sleep routine with a duration suited for different ages offers numerous advantages for both physical and mental well-being, and urged teenagers to focus on enhancing their sleep patterns,
Additional studies are required to gain a deeper understanding of how the body’s internal clock and eating habits correlate with weight management.
The variations observed among teenagers might not necessarily stem from “the way their biological clock functions” itself, but rather from other elements like “variations in hormones controlling appetite and fullness,” or possibly emotional and behavioral impacts, suggests Barker.
“The crucial aspect of adolescent development underscores the importance of setting the foundation for lifelong health, which emphasizes understanding how sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms influence eating behaviors,” said Mary Carskadon, a psychiatrist from Brown University.
in a statement
.
“The insights obtained here pave the way for possible interventions that could improve adolescent health in the future,” she stated.
by admin | Feb 2, 2025 | depression, eating habits, health and exercise, nutrition, nutritionists
Eating breakfast before 9 am might considerably lower your chance of experiencing
depression
, a study suggests.
Researchers discovered that males and females consuming their initial meal after 9 am exhibited a 28 percent higher likelihood of experiencing poor mental well-being and mood issues compared to individuals having their first meal prior to 8 am.
The research discovered that entirely skipping breakfast also negatively affected mental health.
Surveys indicate that nearly half of the population in the UK struggle to make time for a proper breakfast, and among those who do manage to have something, about a third end up eating it at their desks as they rush to work.
Physicians at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University in
China
examined the breakfast routines of nearly 24,000 grown-ups across 11 years.
They recorded if the volunteers commonly had breakfast in the morning along with the specific timing.
The findings, detailed in The Journal of Affective Disorders, revealed that individuals who ensured they had their breakfast were less prone to being diagnosed with depression compared to those who consistently skipped eating in the morning.
Early risers who dined before 8 am also showed a lower risk of experiencing mental health problems compared to individuals eating after 9 am.
It’s unclear exactly why postponing breakfast seems to have such a detrimental impact.
A hypothesis suggests that consuming food late in the day or skipping meals could indicate disrupted sleep patterns, a inactive lifestyle, or insufficient daily drive — which might all serve as possible red flags for declining mental well-being.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, one out of every six adults in the UK frequently experiences moderate to severe signs of depression.
Read more
by admin | Nov 28, 2024 | common mistakes, cooking, eating habits, recipes, roasting
Rich, succulent, featuring a crunchy exterior
And that unmistakable fragrance that gathers the entire clan around the dining table. Indeed, that’s precisely what comes to mind whenever we picture a delightful meal.
roast chicken
However, the truth often falls short of our hopes. Perhaps you’ve purchased an attractive chicken from the marketplace only to discover, after cooking it, that it resembles a “brick” due to its dryness; or worse yet, you might end up with one that seems appealing initially but turns out utterly flavorless once you take a bite.
Could it be the oven’s mistake? Likely not. More likely, you’re encountering one of these issues.
11
common mistakes
. However, do not fret; even the most skilled chefs have experienced this as well.
This was not what I envisioned.
days. Tie up your apron, take the chicken from the refrigerator, and prepare yourself to uncover the 11 most frequent errors along with their solutions — your upcoming roasted chicken will turn out perfectly!
1. Avoiding the purchase of premium chickens
Achieving outstanding outcomes isn’t possible when you begin with subpar materials. Should the chicken be low-grade, even top-notch culinary techniques can’t rescue it. Choose instead to purchase a free-range bird or one known for superior quality. You’ll find a significant distinction in taste and consistency.
2. Selecting an inappropriate size
When it comes to cooking, size does matter. Opt for a moderately weighted chicken—ideally weighing between 3.5 lbs / 1.5 kg and 4.5 lbs / 2 kg—to ensure uniform roasting. A bird that’s too large may not cook evenly, potentially resulting in a dried-out meal due to extended cooking times.
3. Do not tamper with the chicken
Placing a chicken straight from the fridge into the oven can lead to poor outcomes. Therefore, remove the chicken from the refrigerator ahead of time to allow it to come to room temperature—ideally three hours prior. This small step makes all the difference. Putting frozen poultry right into the oven means that the internal temperature takes much longer to rise as the exterior gets heated immediately. Consequently, this could cause your chicken to be undercooked on the inside while potentially overcooking on the surface.
4. Failing to remove impurities from the chicken
Prior to placing the chicken in the oven, trim away extra fat and take off any feathers and spurs still attached to the skin. Tweezers or even a blowtorch could help with this removal process. Ensure there’s nothing else untidy on both exterior and interior parts of the bird. These minor steps enhance not just how tasty it turns out but also make sure it looks appealing once plated up for serving.
5. Prepare it with the breast facing upwards
The breast is the driest section of the chicken. Therefore, it’s advisable to begin roasting with the breast side down. This allows gravity to help distribute the natural juices downward. Consequently, this ensures that the lean meat remains relatively moist. During the final 20 minutes of cooking, flip the chicken so that the skin atop the breast becomes crisp and nicely browned.
6. Neglecting to heat the oven beforehand
The temperature plays a crucial role in achieving a perfectly roasted chicken. Setting the oven to full heat might speed up the process, yet the outcome won’t be ideal. Opt for a more moderate setting instead.
temperature of 350°F/180ºC
and make sure not to forgot
Warm up the oven prior to placing the item inside.
This is crucial for achieving a perfectly tender chicken.
7. Poor or inadequate flavoring
Chicken
is a
quite plain meat, very dull and insipid
So, it requires quite a bit of salt and spices to boost the taste. Therefore, use plenty of salt generously. Apply seasoning both internally and externally. Incorporate herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Provençal herbs, and include a hint of lemon or bay leaf inside for an extra-special touch. For the outer layer, apply them in this sequence: first salt, then oil, followed by herbs. Massage these into the chicken during application. Allow it to sit before placing it in the oven.
8. Chop the chicken into sections prior to baking
Roasting the chicken whole
The optimal choice for maintaining the meat’s moisture is to avoid cooking thin breast pieces alongside bone-in thighs, as this leads to uneven cooking—some portions becoming juicy while others turn out very dry. Therefore, whenever feasible, it is preferable to roast the entire chicken instead.
9. Avoid precooking fresh fillings
If you plan to roast a
chicken stuffed
with a
farce
(e.g., fresh sausage, mushrooms and onions), be sure to precook the stuffing ingredients. If you don’t, the stuffing could go raw while the chicken is ready, forcing you to prolong cooking and leaving the meat dry.
10. Do not glaze during cooking
If you want a
golden brown skin full of flavor, glaze
Baste the chicken with its natural juices or a blend of melted butter and herbs at least three times throughout the cooking process. This small step ensures juicy, well-seasoned meat along with a crisp, beautifully golden-brown exterior.
11. Neglecting to allow it to settle
As soon as it comes out of the oven,
allow the chicken to rest for
10-15 minutes covered with aluminum foil. This step allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to retain its moisture.
As we can see:
Roasting a perfect chicken is not difficult, it does not require a lot of technique or complications, but it is essential not to make mistakes. It’s not so much about what to do, but what not to do. As you can see, enjoying a juicy chicken with a crispy skin is not a matter of luck. Are you
ready to enjoy the best Sunday roast chicken
or your life?
read more on en.SANGGRALOKA
by admin | Jul 7, 2024 | children, children and families, eating habits, food and drink, snacks
If you catch yourself heading towards the snack cabinet right after the kids leave, consider this carefully instead.
Children of ‘stealthy snackers’ tend to have greater consumption of goodies compared to those whose parents aren’t as secretive about snacking.
Researchers from Finland examined approximately 500 parents and 400 children aged three to six to document their intake of about a dozen sweet food items and beverages.
Sixty-eight percent of parents said they engaged in ‘secret eating,’ which means intentionally consuming food when their children were not around.
Nearly three-fourths of mothers – 73 percent – admitted to being ‘secret eaters,’ whereas only 55 percent of fathers confessed to doing the same.
Nevertheless, kids whose moms secretly snack tend to consume sweet treats more often compared to other children; however, no such pattern emerged regarding fathers.
According to the study published in the journal Appetite, chocolate topped the list of favorites targeted by parents, closely followed by sweets, ice cream, biscuits, and cakes.
Researchers from Jyvaskyla and Helsinki stated: “Parental secretive eating was associated with aspects of the social home food environment including family food regulations, efforts to avoid granting children’s requests, and aspirations towards setting examples of healthy behavior.”
‘More studies are required to ascertain if parents can truly stop their own eating behaviors from affecting their children.’
Read more
