By not eating after 7, you give your body time to begin digestion before you go to bed. This lessens the chance of indigestion or heartburn when you lay down. It also means you won't be spiking your blood sugar right before bed, which can cause a fitful night's sleep.
This is a common myth, but it is indeed a myth. Setting a specific time to stop eating by really doesn't make sense, as we all have different schedules. Our bodies do best if we eat often during the day (ideally every 2-4 hours).
The best time to stop eating is when you are no longer hungry. It's important to listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues and to eat until you are satisfied, but not stuffed. It's also a good idea to stop eating a few hours before bedtime to allow your body time to digest your food before you go to sleep.
Night fasting also reduces the risk of heart disease as it prevents organ fat accumulation over time, causes weight loss, and reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (blood fats).
An occasional meal later than your usual mealtime will not cause weight gain. The bigger culprit would be consistent snacking of unneeded calories. It is important to evaluate your meals prior to the evening to make sure you are meeting your needs, so you do not have to rely on late night calories.
Calories consumed at night won't change your metabolism or count more than calories consumed during the day. Weight gain and weight loss comes down to a simple math equation, explains Day. “Too many calories taken in versus not enough expended on any given day, regardless of the time, will lead to weight gain.”
Conclusions: Skipping meals (particularly dinner) reduces daily energy intake, but the reduction in daily diet quality (particularly when skipping breakfast) may impact health negatively over time.
So when exactly should you stop eating at night? Scientists can't agree on a single set time, but the consensus seems to be within three hours before bedtime. So if you go to bed at 11 p.m., don't eat after 8 p.m. Banishing late night snacks after that time could help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux disease, too.
However, research has found that a smaller dinner and larger lunch could be the key to helping you shift those weight. Even if you have a really healthy diet, eating your biggest meal in the evening is not the best option, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Research has shown that breakfast is essential to maintaining normal metabolism and cardiovascular health, while late-night meals promote arteriosclerosis, obesity, and abnormal lipid profiles. In women, it also leads to metabolic syndrome.
So overall, going to bed hungry may help reduce caloric intake and improve insulin sensitivity, it can also lead to poor sleep quality, increased cravings, and a slowed metabolism. The best way to achieve weight loss is through a combination of balanced meals, regular physical activity, and quality sleep.
Although the actual time doesn't really matter, many people who eat late at night choose high-calorie foods, which brings weight gain. Late meals and snacks can also make it harder for you to fall asleep. Aim to stay out of the kitchen from a couple of hours before bedtime until you wake up the next morning.
When Is It Recommended You Stop Eating? When you should stop eating can vary depending on factors such as your individual needs, health status, and lifestyle. However, a general rule of thumb is to stop eating at least 2-3 hours before going to bed to allow for proper digestion and prevent discomfort or sleep issues.
While there is no one perfect way to time your meals, there is some evidence that suggests that eating most of your food earlier in the day, going lighter at your evening meal and leaving at least 12 hours between dinner and breakfast may have some health benefits—including enhanced weight loss.
Weight gain. Your body gains weight when you take in more calories than you burn off. This is the case no matter when you eat. Going to sleep directly after you eat means your body doesn't get a chance to burn off those calories.
Based on research that shows eating two meals won't necessarily get you all the nutrients you need, though, I do recommend choosing three medium-size meals between 400 and 600 calories, plus one to three snacks at 150 to 200 calories per day for optimal nutrition and satiety.
Low blood sugar at night can give people nightmares or make them sweat excessively, disrupting their sleep. They may also wake up feeling irritable, confused, or tired.
Intermittent fasting has been shown to help with weight loss and improve some markers of health. But it's not for everyone. If you're thinking of trying a fast, consider the pros and cons.
Water is more than just a thirst-quencher. It offers various benefits that can aid in weight loss. These include boosting metabolism, suppressing appetite, aiding in detoxification and enhancing exercise performance.
A 2021 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition linked late-night eating to impaired weight-loss efforts and raised triglycerides. The later you stay up, the more hours there are to eat. Plus, most people don't reach for the healthiest snacks late at night.