There was a summer when I remember pulling out a sundress I used to love — soft cotton, flowy, flattering — and instead of feeling confident and light…

…I felt uncomfortable, bloated, and like I wanted to crawl out of my skin.

I kept tugging at the fabric all day.
Crossing my arms.
Not wanting to take photos.
Saying no to dessert because I already felt “puffy.”
Avoiding hugs because my stomach felt too sensitive to touch.

All the things I used to look forward to about summer — outdoor parties, date nights, laughing with girlfriends on patios — just made me more aware of how bad I felt in my body.

☀️ The Emotional Toll of Summer Discomfort

Bloating and gut issues don’t just show up in your digestion.
They mess with your mind, your confidence, your joy.

They make you second-guess your outfit, your appetite, your plans, and sometimes even your worth.

I know that sounds heavy. But it’s the truth I wish more people talked about.

Because if you're someone who…

• Feels anxious about ...

You finish a meal — maybe even a “healthy” one — and instead of feeling fueled and ready, you feel… wiped.
Heavy. Foggy. Like you need a nap or a gallon of coffee to power through the rest of the day.

Friend, if you’ve been blaming your energy crashes on a lack of willpower or just “getting older,” I want you to pause right here and hear this:
It’s not you. It’s your gut.

And you’re not broken — you’re just tired in a way most people never talk about.

🧠 Let’s Talk About What’s Actually Happening After You Eat

That post-meal slump? It’s not random. It’s your body trying to cope with more than just digestion.

Here’s what could be going on under the surface:

1. Blood Sugar Spikes & Crashes

Even “healthy” foods can cause a rollercoaster in your blood sugar, especially when your gut is inflamed.
Spikes make you feel temporarily energized — and then the crash leaves you drained, moody, and craving something sweet… again.

2. Inflammation Takes Energy to Fight

If your gut lining is in...