Skip to main content

What are the Meat Sweats and How Can You Avoid Them?

Knape/Getty Images

Do you regularly get the biggest burger or steaks the size of your face? Maybe multiple servings of each? Well, you have equal chances of being from Texas and experiencing the phenomenon known as meat sweats.

For the general population, the meat sweats may descend on your body in particular times of the year like summertime barbecue season or Thanksgiving. The serious carnivores among us, most notably professional competitive eaters and those living in America’s barbecue hotspots, are often quite familiar with this uncomfortable experience. But is this a real medical malady and, if so, is there a cure?

Related Reading

What Are the Meat Sweats?

As we know them, the meat sweats are the sudden flush of heat and perspiration one experiences after consuming too much meat. The aforementioned seasonal nature of this onset of sweat tends to lead people to blame specific chemicals like tryptophan. Also the scapegoat for holiday food comas, this amino acid could do with better PR.

In reality, you’re just digesting your food. Though scientists don’t officially recognize meat sweats, they are aware of the thermic effect of food, which is also called diet-induced thermogenesis. Whenever we eat anything, our metabolism works a little harder to digest the food, but with a well-rounded meal, it’s usually not enough action to affect body temperature.

Proteins require more energy to be broken down and animal-based proteins are an especially tall order for digestion. Our bodies can fairly easily create the enzymes necessary to get carbohydrates and fats down to the nutrients we need, but all the tiny bonds in proteins require extra work. Additionally, the texture of the meat can lead to more chewing which expends mechanical energy and gives your jaw a nice workout.

How to Avoid Meat Sweats

Eat less meat. We know, that’s not the answer you want to hear, but this is the only way to stay dry. OK, the other alternative is to go vegetarian, but we didn’t think you’d like that either.

If you’re regularly experiencing the meat sweats, it’s a sign from your body that you need to balance your diet. Rounding out your meals with carbs, healthy fats, and even plant-based proteins will have you feeling full and will be more nutritionally beneficial in the long run. And for the occasional intense carnivores out there, don’t sweat it.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
J. Fergus
Former Digital Trends Contributor
J. loves writing about the vices of life — decadent food, strong drinks, potent cannabis, and increasingly invasive…
Can you freeze cream cheese? Yes, and here’s how to do it
Yes, cream cheese can be frozen. Here's how to do it right
cream cheese bagel

You open your refrigerator, only to find a forgotten treasure hiding behind the pickles and leftover lasagna. It's a tub of cream cheese, waiting patiently to be mixed into your next recipe. But alas, you're faced with a conundrum — what if you can't use it all before it goes bad? Fear not, foodie! We're here to answer the age-old question: Can you freeze cream cheese? Grab your apron and get ready to discover the frosty secrets of freezing cream cheese!
How to freeze cream cheese, and other common questions

The short answer is yes, you can freeze cream cheese, but there are a few things you should know to ensure the best results. Let’s have a look!
How long does cream cheese last in the freezer?
When properly stored, cream cheese can last in the freezer for up to two months. It's important to note that freezing cream cheese can alter its texture slightly. While it will still be safe to consume after freezing, the thawed cream cheese may be slightly crumbly or have a grainy texture. Therefore, it's best to use frozen cream cheese in recipes where the texture won't be a significant factor, such as in baked goods or casseroles.
How to freeze opened cream cheese
If you have an opened package of cream cheese that you'd like to freeze, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure it stays fresh and maintains its quality:

Read more
These are the 8 best CBD gummies you can buy, period
Check out the best CBD gummies, according to experts
best cbd gummies 2021

CBD's hot streak shows no signs of cooling down any time soon, as shown by the eagerness with which consumers snap up products containing this cannabis compound. The benefits of cannabidiol create a high demand for CBD products. This results in a somewhat flooded market, which can seem like a good problem to have, that is, until you're planning to buy a container of high-quality CBD gummies you can munch on, and you don't know where to start. Having been in this challenging position a few times myself, I thought it prudent to seek advice from the experts, and ten cannabis industry pros came through with recommendations for the best CBD gummies that are currently available on the market.

Looking for something else to consume? We've also rounded up the best CBD drinks and CBD snacks for you to consider.

Read more
Is coffee bad for teeth? Dentists explain how you can keep your pearly whites healthy
Is coffee bad for teeth? What dentists want you to know about your favorite morning habit
a close up of tons of coffee beans

Is coffee bad for teeth? You may not want to know the answer, preferring to "Hear no evil, see no evil."

After all, drinking coffee can be a lifeline during the morning grind. Even studies show coffee consumption can have significant benefits. A 2021 study showed that drinking coffee could decrease stroke and dementia risk. Another published in the same year found coffee consumption could lower a person's chance of heart failure.

Read more