About The Buzz: High Fat Consumption May Lead to Fatigue

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
A diet rich in fats may increase daytime drowsiness.

WHAT WE KNOW

When we get busy, we tend to cut back on our sleeping hours in order to get all of our tasks done for the day. Sleep deprivation can cause an increase in appetite and a decrease in metabolism, which equals an increase in fat storage and weight gain. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may feel more sluggish and not always think clearly, which may affect your food selection. This can lead to a vicious cycle of eating more and feeling more run down, which decreases the motivation to exercise.

A recent study has found that high fat consumption may lead to daytime drowsiness, further perpetuating this diet-sleep cycle.

HOW DO WE KNOW THIS?

Researchers evaluated the daytime alertness and fatigue levels of 31 healthy, non-obese adults, aged 18 to 65, who were normal sleepers. After considering the meals participants ate, researchers found that fat consumption was associated with increased daytime sleepiness while higher carbohydrate intake was linked with increased alertness. However, there was no relationship between protein consumption and sleepiness or alertness. Researchers noted that decreased alertness could impact a person’s ability to function as well as public safety. They also warn of the dangers associated with high-fat diets and the risk for certain cancers and heart disease.*

OUR ADVICE

The amount of sleep you need may differ for you versus someone else. Once you determine the amount of hours of sleep you need per night, stick with it! Set a time you want to be in bed every night and try to keep it part of your routine. You’ll notice a huge difference in your energy and motivation, which can lead to healthier food choices (fruits and veggies) and exercise!

Curb your appetite throughout the day by snacking on fruit and veggies! They’re low in fat, saturated fat, calories, and they keep you feeling fuller longer! They are your best option for a late night snack (or any time of the day)!

Too busy to even think about cooking? Try our 30 Minutes Or Less Recipes—they take the guesswork out of planning a healthy diet and are quick to prepare!