The Truth About Eating Late At Night
You probably all know someone who says you shouldn’t eat after 8 pm. And even if you don’t, it’s always been one of those long-standing health tips that everyone should follow. But is it true? Is eating late at night so bad for your health and weight loss goals? We’re here to tell you the truth about eating late at night and what you can do if you find yourself craving a late-night snack.
The first thing we need to explore is our metabolisms.
What is Metabolism? Metabolism is when your body breaks down food and turns it into energy. It doesn’t matter what time of day you eat; your metabolism will always work to digest food and turn it into usable energy.
It is essential to understand that your metabolism does not stop when you go to sleep at night. Instead, it slows down gradually throughout the day, reaching its lowest point around 2 am. So, if you’re up late working or studying, your body is still burning calories, albeit slower.
Do I burn calories in my sleep?
Yes, you do burn calories when you sleep. Your body is constantly burning calories to stay alive and maintain basic functions. However, it’s important to note that while your metabolism is slower at night, it’s also in a fasting state, which means that the energy you burn during sleep isn’t as much as if you had just eaten dinner.
Will eating late at night make me gain weight?
Not necessarily! Eating late at night will only automatically cause you to gain weight. It all depends on how much you eat and what food you eat.
That being said, there are certain foods that are best avoided before bedtime. Heavy, greasy meals can be hard to digest and lead to indigestion or heartburn. Spicy foods can have the same effect, causing you to wake up in the middle of the night feeling uncomfortably hot. Caffeine can also disrupt sleep, so avoiding coffee, tea, or energy drinks before bedtime is best.
So what can you eat late at night without disrupting your sleep? A light soup or salad is a good option, as is Pho from Toronto Pho. Pho is a great late-night option because the broth is lightweight and easy to digest while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
If you want a heavier meal option, whole-wheat toasts with peanut butter or a bowl of whole-grain cereal are excellent choices. Just be sure to avoid sugary cereals or ones with chocolate chips, as the sugar will cause an energy spike followed by an inevitable crash.
Some fruits, such as apples and bananas, are also good options as they contain fibre which will help you feel full while providing slow-burning energy.
What can I drink before bed?
Water is always the best option. But if you’re not a fan of plain water, there are plenty of other options. Teas such as chamomile and passionfruit are both naturally caffeine-free and have calming effects that can help you relax before bed. Milk is also a good option as it’s high in tryptophan, a sleep-promoting nutrient.
The truth is, there isn’t one definitive answer regarding eating late at night. It all depends on your own dietary needs and how you feel afterwards.
So, is it true that you shouldn’t eat after 8 pm? Not necessarily. Eating late at night isn’t inherently bad for your health or weight loss goals. Make sure you’re eating the right foods and listening to your body. With that, you can still enjoy a late-night snack!
That being said, if you’re trying to lose weight, avoid late-night snacks as much as possible. Finding the right balance between your dietary needs and your lifestyle is essential. When you’re mindful of what you eat late at night, it makes it easier to make healthy choices throughout the day. So, enjoy that late-night snack if you must; make sure it’s the right one for you!
Hopefully, this article has shed some light on eating late at night. Remember, it’s not necessarily “bad” to eat late at night, but it can be if you’re not mindful of what you eat. So, start paying attention to your body and make sure you’re making smart, healthy choices when it comes to late-night snacking. Good luck!
What does TorontoPHO offer?
If you’re looking for Asian-style Pho soup in Woodbridge, Vaughan, Kleinburg, Toronto, and Hamilton, visit https://www.TorontoPho.com.
We are a growing Vietnamese restaurant committed to serving authentically prepared Asian Vietnamese foods done right and healthy. Our PHO is a proud creation, alongside so many of our other menu items