Should you or shouldn’t you? Some health and fitness professionals insist that you should never eat before bed if you don’t want it going straight to your hips, while others argue that it doesn’t matter what time of the day you eat; it all comes down to total caloric intake throughout the day.
It’s not necessarily one or the other; it’s a little bit of both. There are some things you may be able to eat before bed without weight gain, and while controlling your caloric intake is a big part of the weight loss equation, it’s also not just about “calories in, calories out”. What and when you eat also has an effect on weight loss and fat storage.
For example, it’s important to remember to eat every 4 hours to keep your metabolism moving, prevent excess insulin, and balance cortisol levels. And just because you have an extra couple hundred calories left for the day doesn’t mean you should eat a bowl of ice cream before bed.
According to Women’s Health, eating too close to bedtime raises your body temperature, increases blood sugar and insulin, and cuts down on growth hormone release (which helps you burn fat while you’re sleeping). Not only do these factors decrease your body’s natural fat-burning benefits of sleep, it also interferes with your quality of sleep overall. Isn’t it hard enough to get a good night’s rest as it is!?
Then again, it depends on what you eat before bed…
You don’t have to go to bed starving. If you’re a late-night snacker, choose foods that fuel muscles and promote stable blood glucose levels. Opt for a light snack before bed that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat. Low fat cottage cheese is a prime example, and the bedtime food of choice for many body builders and athletes. Other examples include Greek yogurt with flaxseeds, tuna, low-fat cheese, or a light protein shake. The worst thing you can eat before bed is a high fat, sugary dessert like ice cream, cake, or other sweet treat which will increase blood sugar and insulin. And most importantly, remember to limit extra calories earlier in the day to stay within your target calorie limit.
Remember, dieting is an individual experience. What works for others may not work for you. So find out what works for you, and stick to it!
