I'm Tired:
Kids Ask

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, October 21 and December 9, 2007
Show 423

Michaela Powell:

Dr. Lisa, is it normal for Gabby to be this tired right after eating lunch?

Dr. Lisa Thornton:

How many of you have gotten really tired after you eat a big meal? What happens is: after a heavy meal, you need a lot of blood to go to your intestines to digest all that food, right? So some of that blood gets stolen from your brain, believe it or not, and so you get this kind of brain draining. You feel a little tired while your food digests. So if you could eat healthier foods at lunchtime, a little lighter meals, you won't get so tired, okay? So remember parents, if you pack healthier lighter lunches for your kids, they might even do better in school, because they're less likely to be tired, and can pay attention in the afternoon.