Carbs at Night?

ItsLessOfMe

For the past week I've been experimenting with not eating carbs after lunch. It is SO hard!!! I did loose weight this week but I wanted to get some feedback from others. Oh, and I workout in the morning.

What do you eat before bed? Do you see any difference in weight loss when you stick to protien late in the day.

Thank you for any input

epona_mus

I had great success several years ago not eating carbs after noon. I found I was less hungry and I could still have my carbs in the AM. I still try to "frontload" my day with carbs and not eat bread, potatoes, rice etc. after mid day. I also have a protein snack (1T of peanut butter, a dozen almonds, etc.) right before I go to bed because it helps keep me satiated so I'm not starving first thing in the morning (my weakest moments are before coffee...)

ItsLessOfMe

Thank you. Yes I am doing a protien snack before bed. I just CRAVE my carbs. Will I get over it?

stanvoodoo

Protein and yes it does get better!!!

alz6690

No carbs after 3pm has definitely been working for me! if i need a snack before bed i have a few nuts or seeds but i try not to eat after 8pm so drink water or fruit tea

doccwood

Protein and YES!

UponThisRock

It's a dietary myth that doesn't stand up to the scientific research

_GlaDOS_

It's a dietary myth that doesn't stand up to the scientific research

^^ This.

saraann752003

It's a dietary myth that doesn't stand up to the scientific research

Pretty much agree with this one, chances are, because you are restricting your time frame for eating carbs you are eating less of them.

killagb

Timing of nutrient types doesn't matter. What matters is that you maintain a caloric deficit when compared to your total daily energy expediture(TDEE). Eating protein heavy most of the day will keep you satisfied, and if you stick to getting lots of protein, eating the carbs you can fit in along the way won't hurt you one bit. Just keep the calories on target!

CaptainGordo

Eating at night? Not an issue.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/390149-should-i-eat-at-night

Spreading those calories out throughout the day? Not necessary.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/397321-should-i-eat-lots-of-smaller-meals

Sidesteal

It's a dietary myth that doesn't stand up to the scientific research

This.
<---- Eats carbs right before bed, often times 100g+, not that anecdotes are meaningful.

DopeItUp

Don't waste your time. I eat whatever I want, whenever I want and it doesn't affect a thing - as long as I stick to my net caloric intake goal of course. Most nights I eat (drink) pure carbs (beer) right before bed and it doesn't change anything from when I drank no beer at all for weeks at a time.

Scott613

I eat a majority of my carbs at night usually within an hour or two before I go to bed.

epona_mus

Anecdote ARE meaningful and the reason many of these questions are asked (and re-asked) on forums. People WANT to hear real-life experiences, not read journal articles.

My anecdote: I find eating carbs late in the day results in feeling hungrier in the evening and that protein before bed helps keep me satiated.

So there ya go...

killagb

I eat a majority of my carbs at night usually within an hour or two before I go to bed.

I dunno, your hands look sort of bulky, probably the carbs I'm thinking? :bigsmile:

UponThisRock

My anecdote: I find eating carbs late in the day results in feeling hungrier in the evening and that protein before bed helps keep me satiated.

So there ya go...

It's not an either/or scenario

killagb

Anecdote ARE meaningful and the reason many of these questions are asked (and re-asked) on forums. People WANT to hear real-life experiences, not read journal articles.

My anecdote: I find eating carbs late in the day results in feeling hungrier in the evening and that protein before bed helps keep me satiated.

So there ya go...

Eating carbs to satisfy hunger is a bad approach. Eating them to satisfy a craving is the way to go. If you try to eat a good amount of protein in most meals, the carbs won't effect being sated at all.

ItsLessOfMe

I have read that WHAT you eat before bed does matter. From the Mayo clinic and others....I was just hoping there were people who have tried it. I just didnt want to reinvent the wheel. I was eating a little ice cream or cake. ALL within my calories. But I wasn't loosing weight some weeks. Now I'm just trying to shake things up. I was told that those sweets at the end of my day were causing me to stall.

killagb

I have read that WHAT you eat before bed does matter. From the Mayo clinic and others....I was just hoping there were people who have tried it. I just didnt want to reinvent the wheel. I was eating a little ice cream or cake. ALL within my calories. But I wasn't loosing weight some weeks. Now I'm just trying to shake things up. I was told that those sweets at the end of my day were causing me to stall.

That is incorrect. Do you have a link to this information from Mayo clinic? It does not matter AT ALL for weight loss. As long as you are at or under your calorie goal.

UponThisRock

I have read that WHAT you eat before bed does matter. From the Mayo clinic and others....I was just hoping there were people who have tried it. I just didnt want to reinvent the wheel. I was eating a little ice cream or cake. ALL within my calories. But I wasn't loosing weight some weeks. Now I'm just trying to shake things up. I was told that those sweets at the end of my day were causing me to stall.

If you already have your mind made up, why create the thread?

steffiejoe

For the past week I've been experimenting with not eating carbs after lunch. It is SO hard!!! I did loose weight this week but I wanted to get some feedback from others. Oh, and I workout in the morning.

What do you eat before bed? Do you see any difference in weight loss when you stick to protien late in the day.

Thank you for any input

Do what works for you!!

I'm not sure if it matters but I'm not eating carbs at night to find out. Yea I said it carb phobia at night, LOL!!!

Seriously, when I was younger I could eat/drink what ever I wanted and it had no effect. Now that I'm older it seems harder to keep the weight off. I'm not sure if its a hormonal thing or what.

CaptainGordo

I have read that WHAT you eat before bed does matter. From the Mayo clinic and others....I was just hoping there were people who have tried it. I just didnt want to reinvent the wheel. I was eating a little ice cream or cake. ALL within my calories. But I wasn't loosing weight some weeks. Now I'm just trying to shake things up. I was told that those sweets at the end of my day were causing me to stall.

That is incorrect. Do you have a link to this information from Mayo clinic? It does not matter AT ALL for weight loss. As long as you are at or under your calorie goal.

Googling "eating before bed site:mayoclinic.com" produced some hits for articles about foods that can help you sleep better, but that's about all I got.

sonnyless

Congrats for trying this out! Reducing carbs is very challenging. I actually tried a "no-carb" diet to help me break a plateu last month. I ate lean meats, fish, apples and veggies. I dropped a lot of weight doing that. But I knew I couldn't make a lifestyle out of it, so I introduced carbs back. Like you, I try not to have any after lunch. It takes time to get used to it, but it will get more easier. And you will drop weight because it's a shock to your body. Protein is the best thing for your body. Some days I just eat chicken breast all day. Best of luck!

epona_mus

My anecdote: I find eating carbs late in the day results in feeling hungrier in the evening and that protein before bed helps keep me satiated.

So there ya go...

It's not an either/or scenario

When I have about 90 cal to spare at 9 pm, it usually is for me... I opt for a tablespoon of nuts or nut butter. YMMV

ItsLessOfMe

So they do recommend granola and fruit as well.

The Mayo Clinic recommends cereal with low-fat milk or yogurt topped with granola, which often contains oats, as valuable bedtime snack options

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/282294-healthy-foods-to-eat-before-bed/#ixzz1dubPd5vP

So maybe it was the fact that I was eating too much before bed. I really am afraid of running out of calories. So I eat light all day then have TONS of calories left at the end of the day.

I guess your right I have to find what works for me. I wish it wasnt so difficult to figure out. I definelty know 120 g of protien a day has help with all the cravings. Now to the choices I make with the rest of the calories.

epona_mus

And look how well you're doing!!! Only 19 lbs to go... so you're definitely doing something right!

ItsLessOfMe

Congrats for trying this out! Reducing carbs is very challenging. I actually tried a "no-carb" diet to help me break a plateu last month. I ate lean meats, fish, apples and veggies. I dropped a lot of weight doing that. But I knew I couldn't make a lifestyle out of it, so I introduced carbs back. Like you, I try not to have any after lunch. It takes time to get used to it, but it will get more easier. And you will drop weight because it's a shock to your body. Protein is the best thing for your body. Some days I just eat chicken breast all day. Best of luck!

Thank you SO much sonny and epona_mus. Thats what I wanted to her just someome who has done it.

HMonsterX

OP, it sounds like you're overcomplicating it.

Simply eat what you want, when you want, but make sure you keep that calorie deficit.

It really is as simply as that. I eat my main meals of protein/carbs right before bed, normally around 900/1k cals. Just focus on the things that really matter!

killagb

Congrats for trying this out! Reducing carbs is very challenging. I actually tried a "no-carb" diet to help me break a plateu last month. I ate lean meats, fish, apples and veggies. I dropped a lot of weight doing that. But I knew I couldn't make a lifestyle out of it, so I introduced carbs back. Like you, I try not to have any after lunch. It takes time to get used to it, but it will get more easier. And you will drop weight because it's a shock to your body. Protein is the best thing for your body. Some days I just eat chicken breast all day. Best of luck!

Thank you SO much sonny and epona_mus. Thats what I wanted to her just someome who has done it.

People do it...but there is honestly NO REASON. I guess all you wanted here was someone to tell you that you should? Clearly that's the only information you find useful, rather than the FACTS. Good luck anyhow.

CaptainGordo

So they do recommend granola and fruit as well.

The Mayo Clinic recommends cereal with low-fat milk or yogurt topped with granola, which often contains oats, as valuable bedtime snack options

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/282294-healthy-foods-to-eat-before-bed/#ixzz1dubPd5vP

That article is about tips for foods to eat before bed that can help you sleep better, not avoid weight gain.

"What you eat before bed can influence your ability to sleep and your wellness in positive and negative ways. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating large, high-fat meals, caffeinated beverages or spicy foods before bed can cause discomfort, alertness and heartburn. Modest-sized healthy snacks, on the other hand, can heighten relaxation and prevent hunger pangs during the night. If you have difficulty improving your bedtime sleep habits, seek guidance from your doctor or nutritionist."