Patrick Yong
Digesting food is an intensive process. After consuming a meal, your body will slow down skeletal muscles in the periphery and shift blood to the gut where energy is needed. It might not feel like you're doing anything, but metabolically the body is working hard.
Exercise has the opposite effect, although it depends on exercise intensity. Blood from the gut is shunted to working skeletal muscles. After exercise, your body temperature is elevated and there are still catecholamines (adrenaline, for example) circulating, all of which keeps your body at high alert. It takes time and energy for your body to return back to its normal state so the feelings persist. Your senses are heightened, compared to after a meal in which they are dulled. |
