Snacks after 6

jordy89x

Hey I don't know if this has been posted already but anyway, I'm new to this. I've always heard that when trying to lose weight that you are not supposed to eat anything after 6, but I find that I get so hungry at night, (that's when I used to always be picking at rubbish food), so I'm just wondering if you really had to eat after 6, what would be the best thing to snack on?

toronto_j

Doesn't matter. I've seen plenty of posts from people whose biggest meal is dinner, who like to have a snack before bed etc. It's whatever works best for you and keeps you within your calorie deficit. Too many myths/rules around weight loss.

craftywitch_63

As long as you're in a calorie deficit, I don't think it matters. I usually don't snack after dinner but that's just because I'm most hungry early in the day. Breakfast is my biggest meal, lunch is second and most of my snacks are on or before 2 pm. If I'm hungry after dinner and I have the calories to spare, I might eat some popcorn or something like that and it never seems to interfere with my weight loss.

YukiValentine

I midnight snack all the time! either on some chips, or fruit. I think you're fine as long as you keep it in the calorie limit~

JoshD8705

Time is relative lol some times I don't eat dinner until after 7pm. I even have a snack near 11pm. Bed by 2am. Losing about 2.5lbs a week currently.

Boogage

I eat all times of the day and night and it has made no difference to my weight loss. If I have something heavier at night like a sausage sandwich or a pitta pizza then I weigh in heavier the next morning but it's only because the food hasn't digested properly. As long as you eat at a deficit you will lose weight. Some people would also argue that it keeps your metabolism working.

knra_grl

Eat whatever you want whenever you want as long as it fits into your goal :drinker:

_Zardoz_

Hey I don't know if this has been posted already but anyway, I'm new to this. I've always heard that when trying to lose weight that you are not supposed to eat anything after 6, but I find that I get so hungry at night, (that's when I used to always be picking at rubbish food), so I'm just wondering if you really had to eat after 6, what would be the best thing to snack on?

I eat my main meal at around 10pm so my weightloss blows that one out of the water.

LoveInnocent

Hey I don't know if this has been posted already but anyway, I'm new to this. I've always heard that when trying to lose weight that you are not supposed to eat anything after 6, but I find that I get so hungry at night, (that's when I used to always be picking at rubbish food), so I'm just wondering if you really had to eat after 6, what would be the best thing to snack on?

I eat my main meal at around 10pm so my weightloss blows that one out of the water.

^^ True that! Good Job!!!

And yeah I actually eat dinner between 7 and 8, with a healthy snack around 9 to 10 and I am losing weight fine. I've always lost weight despite eatting late. Just make sure you are sleeping well and as far as things to snack on what do you like? If you like chocolate, eat half a dark chocolate bar and break it up into pieces and eat it with strawberries or grapes. Or my new thing is cottage cheese with fruit you can put some fat free whipped cream on there too and its really good and has protein in it. If you want something salty, maybe eat a portion size of hummus with lightly salted pretzels or lentil chips.

ProfessorCurlz

There are many different opinions on this. Set a reasonable goal for you, based on your schedule and what will keep you from cheating yourself. I personally dont eat meals after 7pm and no snacking after 8. Give your belly plenty of time to rest! Do what works for you, build a system for yourself.

CyberEd312

I have lost a couple pounds and have never used any kind of meal frequency... I just make sure to hit my calorie goals for the day, if that means eating 1100 calories in bed at 10 at night then that is what I do...... Best of Luck :drinker:

MelissaPhippsFeagins

I have lost a couple pounds and have never used any kind of meal frequency... I just make sure to hit my calorie goals for the day, if that means eating 1100 calories in bed at 10 at night then that is what I do...... Best of Luck :drinker:

312 is more than a couple of pounds...I am in awe. I've lost around 40 and am at maintenance. I just finished dinner (It's 5:40 pm where I am) and have over 300 calories left for the day. There are yogurt & walnut pieces in my kitchen that I will eat before bed. I'm not sure when exactly, but definitely after 6.

What you snack on it something you'll have to figure out for yourself. If you need protein, cottage cheese & fruit is good. Or my Greek yogurt & nuts. Or ice cream or even bacon (Yes, I've done that.)

MrsRatfire

The word Breakfast came from two words, Break Fast. Technically, most of us fast the longest at night. Hence the night time eating. I changed my categories of my food diary on this site. I left the one for "snacks" in, and there were two more slots. I have one for " Before Bed" and "Overnight Eating". If I do not eat something that metabolizes slowly before going to bed, I will wake up to eat. Lately, I am trying a protein shake before bed. That seems to be working. I add 1/2 cup almond milk, scoop whey protein isolate (NOW Brand), 1/2 cup of any kind of fruit (I buy it in freezer section), 2 tablespoons chia seeds, and water. If I do not eat something that digests slowly, such as protein, I will eat whatever I find in a half asleep stupor. If I do overnight eat, I am recording it on the next day in the overnight spot. I am experimenting now to end the overnight eating. So far, the only thing that has worked is the protein mix before bed. I will continue and keep my log and determine if this works for me. Believe me, a scheduled protein shake will be more controlled than eating anything I can find half asleep. Many people, including me, have diseases that make it impossible for them to fast that long. Specifically, some diabetics and FOD (Fatty Oxidation Disorders). I am FOD, I can't do the fast or I go into a metabolic crisis- it can and has almost killed me many times.

C3001

It doesn't matter when you eat your daily calories. I don't think there is much debate there. The debate comes from whatever works for you and if you have certain medical conditions requiring you to follow food frequency patterns. For example... If you tend to eat more at night then plan ahead eating the majority of your calories at that time (meaning eat less during the day). Some people prefer to eat their calories during the am hours and therefore need to plan ahead as well. Others like the poster above need to make sure to fuel there body more frequently. Listen to your body. I skip breakfast, works for me. I was gaining weight listening to "others" trying to eat breakfast and ultimately adding to my daily calories for no reason.

Edit-
To answer your exact question: the best thing to snack on would be fruits and veggies (at anytime during the day/evening). I am trying to keep hummus, pretzels, grapes, peaches, bananas, nuts, etc. around for snacks.

The more informative question: do I have to stop consuming calories at 6pm? The answer is a resounding, no.

Look up intermittent fasting plans... Made a lot of sense to me once I did the research. Note, some medical conditions may prevent you from being able to follow these lifestyle plans. If you have one, you would likely know and should probably consult a doctor if you don't have much knowledge of your specific condition.

Branstin

As long as you don't have any indigestion or health issues and stay within your calories limit, you are free to snack away.

SnickersMaggie

After 6 p.m. snacking was always my issue! That's when I have my cravings for sugar - cookies and chocolate usually...

I've found that the individual portion paks of unsweetened applesauce, apple/peach and assorted fruits, topped with some nuts and cinnamon and a cup of Warmth Tea get me thru the night!

lorim200

I pop my own popcorn almost every night and add 2 tsp of melted margarine.

walkingmywaytohealth

A calorie is a calorie....a lot of people have "rules" about not eating after a certain time. I try to eat heavier in the morning and lighter by evening, but don't always succeed. The less rules you have about eating the more successful, and if you are hungry eat. It's what you take in the whole day that counts not what time.

stevwil41

I have 1/2 of a cup of low-fat cottage cheese mixed with 1/4 of a cup of pineapple tidbits before bed just about every night. It keeps me from waking up at 2 a.m. and diving face first into the refrigerator. Work in a snack or two that is reasonably healthy that fits within your calorie budget and don't worry about it.

Chieflrg

As I'm sure other have said, the time you eat has nothing to do with weight loss. Its how many calories you eat. I average anywhere from 1600-3000 calories within two hours of going to sleep. It has absolutely no bearing on weight loss or gain...

Travelbug1955

It doesn't matter what time of the day you eat as long as you don't go over your alloted calories for that day. I eat after 6pm almost every day. If you are hungry, then you should eat something.

smanning1982

It doesn't matter what time you eat, you can eat right before laying in bed. As long as you are at a deficit, and stick to it, the weight will come off. If you always get hungry at night, just make sure to leave enough calories that it fits! I eat ice cream every single night around 9-10pm while watching shows, I make sure I leave that 150-200 calories every day for it!

onionparsleysage

I pop my own popcorn almost every night and add 2 tsp of melted margarine.

That was going to be almost my exact suggestion (I prefer butter).

There are various theories about eating late at night, and mine is not to eat for 2 hours before bedtime. I eat to fuel my body - so when I eat before bedtime, I'm not fueling vigorous activity. I think that people who say just to cut calories are full of crock. It may work, but that doesn't mean it's the optimal method.

jordy89x

Thanks for the replies! Great to get tips from real people who are proof that it is just another myth! I can't get over the amount of weight people have lost and have not gone by that so called 'rule'. And I love some of the snack suggestions, thanks people. Much appreciated!

Sinisterly

Having this mentality actually caused me to over-stuff myself before "certain time of the day hit"...
Gained with doing that.

Dumb myths are dumb. :grumble: :grumble: :grumble:

MBrothers22

I eat the most after 6. More than a 3rd of my calories come from dinner alone. Helps me sleep with not being hungry when laying down. When you eat does not matter at all

LoveInnocent

I have lost a couple pounds and have never used any kind of meal frequency... I just make sure to hit my calorie goals for the day, if that means eating 1100 calories in bed at 10 at night then that is what I do...... Best of Luck :drinker:

Way to shed it! Congrats on all your hard work!

sargessexyone

Calories can't tell time.

susannamarie

It really doesn't matter. The "stop late-night snacking" is aimed at the sort of person who wants to make just one change and not track -- it's aimed at curbing mindless munching while watching television or somesuch. It's not because it's physiologically bad in any way.

Personally, I prefer to have my heaviest eating in the afternoon and evening. I find that I'm fine being active during the day without eating, but if I don't go to bed on a full stomach, I have a terrible time sleeping.

ErinMcMom

My biggest meal is always dinner and I save my calories earned from exercise for an awesome evening snack! It doesn't matter when you eat your calories! If you are a night snacker just save some room in your daily food plan to have a snack in the evening when you need it!

RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle

You can eat all the food after six PM and still lose weight, as I'm sure has been mentioned already in this thread. Whatever helps you stay on track is the most effective method!