It’s not just what you eat, but the time of day you eat it (2024)

FAQs

It’s not just what you eat, but the time of day you eat it? ›

But scientists are finding that when you eat can make a difference as well. Studies show that for optimal health, it's best to consume most of your calories earlier in the day rather than later – for example by eating a large breakfast, a modest lunch, and a small dinner.

What Time You Eat Doesn't Matter For Weight Loss, Study Finds. Recent diet trends have promised that clocks are as important for weight loss as scales. One such diet is known as intermittent fasting, which entails a schedule of alternating fasting and eating.

The phrase of “you are what you eat” means that, to be healthy, you need to eat healthy foods. Although that can seem obvious today, the earliest written mention of this concept likely came from a French lawyer named Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in 1826.

When the circadian clock gets off schedule, a person may use fewer calories. Eating meals at the wrong time can lead to weight gain, even if energy intake is not increased. Historically, people would eat during daylight hours and sleep during night time hours, however in our present day, this may not always be true.

According to Michael Pollan, “you are what you eat eats too” meaning that: The diet of the animals we eat has a bearing on the nutritional quality, and healthfulness, of the food itself, whether it is meat or milk or eggs…

Eat Lunch When Your Metabolism Peaks

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day, your metabolism hits its peak, providing you with stronger digestive function, making it the best time to eat your lunch. This meal should be lighter than breakfast and dinner.

The best bedtime food for weight loss are generally low-calorie and offer some sort of protein and/or fiber. Some are also rich in the amino acid tryptophan, a converter to serotonin and melatonin, linked to sleep and wake cycles. But tryptophan is not always used instantly.

In a literal sense, we all can agree that it's true that 'you are what you eat'. Nutrients from the foods we eat provide the foundation of the structure, function, and wholeness of every little cell in our body, from the skin and hair to the muscles, bones, digestive and immune systems.

“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.” – Auguste Escoffier. “The only thing I like better than talking about food is eating.” – John Walters. “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” – George Bernard Shaw. “Laughter is brightest in the place where the food is.” – Irish Proverb.

Proverbs 23:7 is the biblical version of you are what you eat. It says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” What we read and view has a determining effect on us, and what our children are taking into their minds will determine what they become.

Which meal should I skip to lose weight? ›

In the case of Intermittent fasting, skipping your dinner is better and easier. You can have your dinner either early or have a heavy snack and can begin your fasting. Research suggests that fasting in the evening and overnight, then eating early in the morning is the better way to follow this diet to lose weight.

There's no set time you should stop eating to lose belly fat, but, as a guideline, you should avoid eating two to three hours before bed to stop it from disrupting your sleep and body clocks, which can cause belly fat gain. Studies show early dinners can help people lose weight.

When should you lie down after eating? To promote better health in the long run, experts advise waiting at least two to three hours after eating before lying down. Engaging in light physical activity such as a short walk and adopting habits can improve digestion and help to manage weight and overall health.

The phrase 'You Are What You Eat' means that it is important to eat good food in order to be healthy and fit.

Pollan maintains people can live healthfully by following his seven-word motto: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”

Emotional eating can reveal a sensitive and reactive personality, while practical eating can reveal a rational and logical personality. People who eat slowly tend to be more relaxed and mindful whereas people who eat quickly may be impatient and impulsive.

Because of the way our internal clocks operate, our bodies are primed to digest and metabolize food early in the day. As the day progresses, our metabolisms become less efficient. Studies show that a meal consumed at 9 a.m. can have vastly different metabolic effects than the same meal consumed at 9 p.m.

What's the best time to stop eating before bed? It's best to stop eating about three hours before going to bed. That allows plenty of time for your body to digest the last food you ate so it won't disrupt your sleep, but leaves a small enough window before sleep that you won't go to bed feeling hungry.

The Bottom Line

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.

While studies suggest that eating between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. is beneficial for overall health, if that doesn't fit your schedule, she says to try to stop eating at least three hours before bed to avoid issues like acid reflux.