Apr
True or False - eating late at night causes you to gain weight?
Surprisingly, the answer is false.
The theory behind this diet myth is that when you go to bed right after you eat your body doesn’t burn the calories off since you aren’t active. Supposedly these extra calories are instead turned directly into fat, making you gain weight.
Actually, though, the truth is that the time of day that you eat has very little to do with whether or not you gain weight. Instead, the main factor behind whether your body stores or burns fat depends on how many total calories you take in during the day versus how many you burn.
Quite simply, if you eat more calories than your body needs they will be turned to fat regardless of whether you eat them in the morning or at night. Likewise, if you eat fewer calories than your body needs each day then your body will burn them off rather than storing them no matter what time you eat them.
That means you can go ahead and have that late night meal or bedtime snack guilt-free without worrying about it ruining your waistline. However, you DO have to be smart about it.
Budget your calories throughout the day to make sure that you have enough left to accomodate a late meal or snack. Avoid skipping meals early in the day since it can leave you hungry and much more likely to binge or overeat late at night. Instead, try eating 5-6 small meals spread evenly throughout the day so that you aren’t famished by the time evening rolls around.
Next, skip greasy, heavy foods right before bed. Not only are they packed with calories, but they can make it harder for you to sleep. Getting enough sleep is vital to feeling great, having lots of energy and staying healthy. Opt for something lighter and easier to digest instead.
Finally, late night eating often means socializing with friends and sometimes includes alcohol. Both of these things can be triggers for overeating. If you know you are going out with friends in the evening plan accordingly earlier in the day.
For instance, if you expect to be grabbing a bite to eat with friends at midnight don’t eat a full meal at dinner time. Instead opt for a light but satisfying snack like nuts or cottage cheese to help keep you feeling full without packing on a ton of calories. Not only will this free up more calories for you to use at your late night get together, but it will help to keep you feeling full so that you don’t go crazy and overeat.
So there you go. Now you can have your bedtime snack and enjoy it too!
