The early bird may get the worm, but does the same logic apply to eating dinner early?
There are people who do not eat after 7 pm and there are those who regularly eat well into the evening. But which group is right? Well, as it turns out, no. According to Kayla Kopp, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic Center for Human NutritionThere is no perfect time for your last meal of the day. Plus, what matters most is what you eat versus what you eat.
“The clock doesn’t set how our bodies use or store food,” says Cobb. “There is no research to suggest that it is better to eat an early dinner than to have one later in the night. Whether you are trying to gain or lose weight, it is really important how many calories you consume, not necessarily the timing of those calories.”
When do you eat dinner
Cobb suggests that a good general rule of thumb is not to go more than three to four hours without eating. For example, if you eat lunch around noon, it is best to have a snack around 3 pm and dinner between 6 and 7 pm.
However, if you are prone to acid reflux or heartburn after eating, you may benefit from eating dinner earlier. People with type 2 diabetes may also benefit from eating dinner earlier because a late dinner can lead to diabetes complications, according to one study. It can cause eating late at night Increased fat storagewhich may lead to an increased risk of obesity.
In general, experts advise waiting three to four hours after a meal before going to bed.
“Your circadian rhythm plays a huge role when it comes to hunger cues,” Cobb explains. For this reason, it is best to try to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner on a regular and regular basis every day without skipping meals.”
Maintaining a regular sleep and eating schedule is essential to a healthy lifestyle.
“Good sleep is the foundation upon which optimal health is built. Even if nutrition and exercise are at their best, without proper sleep the benefits are greatly reduced,” Dr. Abhinav Singh, MD, Medical Director, Indiana Sleep Center, expert in SleepFoundation.organd co-authored Sleep to Heal: 7 Simple Steps to Better Sleep previously said luck. “Sleep is important for metabolic health, immune health, muscle repair, optimal brain function and mental health. Not only does optimal sleep add years to your life, but it also adds years to your life.”
What do we eat for dinner
To make sure you’re eating a balanced meal, Cobb suggests using the “healthy plate method,” which consists of the following:
- Half of your plate contains non-starchy vegetables
- A quarter of your plate contains whole grain/starchy vegetables
- A quarter of your plate contains a palm-sized serving of lean protein
“An example might look something like this: half a plate of mixed spring salad with one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, a cup of brown rice and four ounces of grilled chicken,” Cobb says. “For dessert, try including a serving of fruit such as 1 cup of mixed berries or a small orange.”