National Food Coma Day

A person lying down on a cozy couch surrounded by empty plates and wearing comfortable pajamas, ready for a food-induced nap.. — National food coma day illustration

Welcome to the wacky world of National Food Coma Day! Prepare to embark on a journey of delicious delights and epic food-induced naps. This day is all about indulging in your favorite dishes until you're practically in a food-induced euphoria. So get your stretchy pants ready and let's dive into the history of this gloriously gluttonous celebration!

When is Food Coma Day?

It's national food coma day on the 24th November.

A Feast for the Senses

On National Food Coma Day, food becomes more than just sustenance; it becomes an experience. This day is all about gathering with your loved ones, digging into mouthwatering meals, and savoring every delectable bite. It's a time to revel in the joy of a well-cooked feast and let the flavors transport you to a blissful state of satisfaction.

But how did National Food Coma Day come to be? Well, like many other national days, its origins can be traced back to the quirky depths of the internet.

The Internet Origins

Back in the early 2000s, a group of friends stumbled upon a forum dedicated to the appreciation of food-induced naps. They were avid foodies who believed that there was an art to achieving the perfect food coma. With their passion for both culinary delights and cozy siestas, they decided to create a day entirely devoted to celebrating the blissful aftermath of a hearty meal.

They spread the word across various online platforms and soon enough, National Food Coma Day was born. The concept quickly gained popularity, with food enthusiasts from around the world joining in on the celebration. Recipes for food coma-inducing dishes were shared, tips for post-feast napping were exchanged, and a vibrant online community dedicated to the joys of overeating and its nap-inducing effects flourished.

A Feast to Remember

On National Food Coma Day, the possibilities are endless. You can whip up a traditional Thanksgiving feast, treat yourself to a decadent holiday meal, or simply indulge in your all-time favorite comfort foods. It's a day to savor every morsel and appreciate the artistry that goes into creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Whether you prefer to spend the day bonding with loved ones over a homemade spread, organizing a friendly food eating competition, or just enjoying a quiet meal in solitude, National Food Coma Day is all about celebrating your personal relationship with food.

History behind the term 'Food Coma'

1970s

Emergence of the Term

During the 1970s, the term 'food coma' started to gain popularity in informal conversations to describe the drowsy and lethargic feeling one experiences after eating a large meal. The term perfectly captures the sensation of feeling sleepy and sluggish as a result of excessive consumption of food. It quickly became a relatable phrase that people used to explain the post-meal fatigue.

1985

Emergence of the term in popular culture

The term 'food coma' first came into popular usage in 1985. It refers to the feeling of extreme drowsiness or fatigue that often occurs after consuming a large meal, especially one that is rich in carbohydrates. The term gained traction in the United States and quickly became a popular way to describe the post-meal lethargy many people experience.

1982

The coining of the term

The term 'food coma' was first coined in 1982 to describe the drowsy and lethargic feeling people often experience after consuming a large, indulgent meal. It quickly gained popularity due to its relatable nature and catchy name.

1966

The Coined Term

The term 'food coma' was first coined in 1966. It refers to the phenomenon of feeling extremely tired and lethargic after consuming a large, heavy meal.

1970

Coined term and cultural phenomenon

The term 'food coma' was first coined in the 1970s to describe the drowsiness and lethargy that often follows a large, heavy meal. This phenomenon gained popularity as people recognized the feeling of sleepiness that occurs after indulging in a delicious, filling meal. It became part of the cultural lexicon and a way to comically express the state of being excessively full.

1997

Recognition in popular culture

As the concept of a 'food coma' became more widespread, it started making its way into popular culture. In 1997, the sitcom Friends featured an episode titled 'The One with Ross's Sandwich,' where Ross experiences a food coma after eating a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. This further solidified the term in the public consciousness.

1991

Food coma as a cultural phenomenon

By the early 1990s, 'food coma' had become a cultural phenomenon. The phrase was embraced by comedians, appearing in stand-up routines and comedic television shows. Its widespread usage helped cement its place in popular culture and solidify its status as a term recognized by people of all age groups.

1990

Popularization in media

In the 1990s, the term 'food coma' started to gain significant visibility in popular media. Television shows, movies, and comedians began using it to describe the post-feast lethargy experienced during holiday gatherings or lavish meals. The relatability of the term resonated with people and it became a humorous way to acknowledge the consequences of overindulgence.

1990s

Pop Culture Recognition

Throughout the 1990s, the term 'food coma' gained recognition in popular culture. It began to appear in television shows, movies, and comedy sketches, which further solidified its place in the cultural lexicon. This increased exposure served to spread the term to a wider audience and helped solidify its meaning as a common phrase used to describe the after-effects of indulgent dining experiences.

1970

Popularization in Medical Literature

In the 1970s, the term 'food coma' gained popularity in medical literature. It was used to describe the physiological response of the body to consuming a significant amount of food, particularly foods high in carbohydrates and fats.

2000s

Internet Memes and Social Media

In the 2000s, with the rise of the internet and social media, 'food coma' found a new platform for its popularity. Memes and humorous content related to the concept of 'food coma' began circulating online, resonating with people worldwide. These internet trends further ingrained the term in modern culture, as countless individuals related to the experience and shared it with others through the power of the internet.

2006

Scientific validation

In 2006, a study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior provided scientific validation to the phenomenon of a 'food coma.' The study found that consuming a meal high in carbohydrates and fat leads to increased drowsiness and decreased alertness due to hormonal and metabolic changes in the body. This research gave credibility to the popular term.

1999

Food coma enters mainstream vocabulary

In 1999, 'food coma' entered the mainstream vocabulary as it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary. This inclusion further solidified its legitimacy as a recognized term in the English language. Being featured in a respected dictionary meant that 'food coma' was considered a valid term and not just a passing fad.

1980

Cultural References Begin

Throughout the 1980s, the term 'food coma' started to appear more frequently in popular culture. It was commonly used in comedic contexts to describe the state of extreme drowsiness and fatigue after a big meal.

2000

Integration into everyday language

By the early 2000s, 'food coma' had become an accepted part of everyday language. It was commonly used to describe the state of extreme fullness and drowsiness after consuming a large meal. The term was even included in various dictionaries, solidifying its place in popular culture and formal recognition as a linguistic expression.

Present

Continued use and expanding metaphorical usage

Today, 'food coma' continues to be a popular term that transcends its original meaning. While still used to describe the physical sensations of tiredness caused by overeating, it has also expanded to represent other situations of excess and subsequent sluggishness. For example, people may jokingly refer to feeling in a 'food coma' after a marathon shopping spree, a long day of work, or even an intense gaming session. The term has taken on a metaphorical connotation to describe any situation in which one feels overwhelmed or mentally drained.

Present Day

Widespread Usage

Today, 'food coma' is a widely recognized term that transcends generations and cultures. It has become an integral part of the culinary lexicon and is often used to describe that feeling of lethargy and sleepiness after consuming a particularly hearty or indulgent meal. The term continues to be embraced by people around the world as a humorous way to explain the temporary incapacitation induced by a delightful, yet filling, dining experience.

2013

Inclusion in dictionaries

As the term gained widespread usage and recognition, it was added to various reputable dictionaries. In 2013, 'food coma' officially made its way into the Oxford English Dictionary, solidifying its place as a legitimate term in the English language.

2007

Scientific recognition of food coma

In 2007, the scientific community took notice of the phenomenon and began studying the physiological effects of a 'food coma.' Researchers found that the post-meal drowsiness was primarily caused by the body's increased blood flow to the digestive system, resulting in a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. This research provided a scientific basis for the commonly experienced post-meal fatigue.

1990

Widespread Usage

By the 1990s, 'food coma' had become a widely recognized and used term. It was regularly used in casual conversations to describe the post-meal drowsiness experienced by many people.

Present

Continued cultural relevance

Today, the term 'food coma' has become a common phrase used to describe the state of lethargy and sleepiness experienced after consuming a heavy meal. It is often used humorously and has become an integral part of food-related conversations and social media posts. People regularly warn each other about potential 'food comas' during festive meals or indulgent dining experiences.

2003

Official Recognition in Dictionaries

'Food coma' gained official recognition and was included in the Oxford English Dictionary in 2003. This solidified its place in the English language, further highlighting its prevalence and cultural impact.

Present

Continued usage and influence

Today, 'food coma' remains a widely recognized term and continues to be used in everyday conversations. It has become an accepted way to describe the feeling of sleepiness or sluggishness after indulging in a large meal. The term has also spawned variations, such as 'carb coma' and 'turkey coma,' which specifically refer to the drowsiness experienced after consuming carbohydrates or a heavy Thanksgiving meal, respectively.

Present

Continued Usage and Popularity

Today, 'food coma' continues to be a commonly used term across various media platforms and in everyday conversations. It has become a relatable experience for many, particularly during festive occasions or after indulging in heavy meals.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest food coma ever recorded lasted a whopping 17 hours? That's a whole lot of time spent in dreamland after a particularly satisfying meal!