what is the latest time i should eat?

2

Replies

  • jess1992uga
    jess1992uga Posts: 603 Member
    I see a registered dietician (much more trustworthy than Dr.Oz) and have asked here about this. So here is the explanation I got:
    Basically it doesn't matter the time. Think about it....if someone works the night shift they would be screwed if they followed the 7 pm rule. The reason this ever came about was because most people who eat after 7 or 8 pm end up overeating or snacking on foods that may not be the best. She said it is best to stop eating 1-2 hours before you go to bed but only for digestive issues, not having to do with weight gain. You still burn calories while you sleep...why would these calories be any significantly less than if you were sitting around staring at the clock waititing an hour to go to sleep because of what time you ate?

    So no...it doesn't matter. I eat as late as 1 pm...and usually a lot of my food after 8 pm (I'm a busy college student) and am losing weight even though I am trying to gain.
  • twinketta
    twinketta Posts: 2,130 Member
    It`s all cals in and cals out..so eat when you want just make sure you have a deficit.

    You may find that going to bed on a full stomach causes uncomfortable sleep pattern/nightmares/snoring/ and hmmmm trumping?

    Maybe stay away from lots of veggies before bed lol!
  • julieh391
    julieh391 Posts: 683 Member
    The latest time you get hungry. I've lost 51lbs in about 6 1/2 months, and I eat pretty much every single evening. I also work second shift part time and always eat something after 9pm on those days. I leave extra calories for after dinner knowing I'm going to snack. If I didn't, and I pigged out on crap late at night I wouldn't be losing weight. But that's not what I do.
  • BurtHuttz
    BurtHuttz Posts: 3,653 Member
    As many people have said, as long as the caloric equation balances, don't sweat it.

    HOWEVER, you might find yourself having a different metabolic experience with different meal timing. If you eat 2,000 calories first thing in the morning, you might find it hard to not eat anything else all day.

    So, experiment with your meal frequency and meal times. Find a balance that leads to the greatest all-day satiety with the least calories.

    I find my best balance is a high-protein breakfast, tapering toward carbs throughout the day with regular meals and snacks. I'm not even hungry by the time 7:00pm rolls around.

    What works for you and for others might be different, as you can tell by the controversy in the comments.
  • MamaMaryC
    MamaMaryC Posts: 142 Member
    i have heard from a number of sources that you gain weight if you eat after 7-8. how true is this?
    does anybody avoid eating late, does it help?
    #

    Thanks

    7

    If it were true than my husband and I would both be overweight. We typically eat dinner at 8:30pm and snacks after (we go to bed around 11pm)


    i tried your method. and gained weight.

    I think it is individual. After years of doing this, I have found that my magic # is 8 o'clock. My doctor says not to eat after 5. I just rolled my eyes and kept on keepin' on. Hubby don't get home till 5:30 so dinner is at 6 pm. If I have extra calories I will eat a sweet at 7ish while kids are in the shower. I like to enjoy my rare sweet moment without "I wants". :)
  • Countryboy_
    Countryboy_ Posts: 618
    If you eat after 5:25 PM, Eastern Standard Time, you will get fat. If you eat after 9:00 PM Greenwich Mean time, you will shrivel up like a raisin and die before the sun comes back up.

    You can ONLY eat during daylight hours. Its been proven. I read it on the internet.
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    before you die
  • DontStopB_Leakin
    DontStopB_Leakin Posts: 3,863 Member
    before you die
    Yup.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    If I'm hungry and I still have calories left...then the kitchen is open no matter what time it is!! I don't usually eat dinner every night until about 8:30. Your stomach has no idea what time it is!
  • SunKissed1989
    SunKissed1989 Posts: 1,314 Member
    I think the whole "no eating after *enter time here* or you will gain weight" is because you're less likely to burn it off (i.e. through exercise) after a certain time (because you're too tired after work etc...) - I don't think there's any concrete scientific/health-based research to confirm that those who eat after a certain time gain more weight or get fatter than those who don't (correct me if I'm wrong, I've not done major research or anything, that's just my theory).

    I have 4 main meals everyday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Supper. I have my supper at around 10pm or so (earlier if I'm having an early night or had an earlier than usual dinner).
    I also work 5-9pm once a week and on those nights, I have my Dinner at around 10pm but don't have any supper, purely because I don't like to have my dinner before 5pm.

    I'm still losing weight...slowly, but surely:smile:
  • nazish17
    nazish17 Posts: 61 Member
    I guess there is no harm having between 100-250 calories before bed if i am still not over my calorie goal (:!

    i was just abit confused as i am trying to lose weight was worried i would pile more on instead!!
  • jackpotclown
    jackpotclown Posts: 3,275 Member
    not after midnight, otherwise green ugly versions of you will pop out and try to take over the town.....no water either, and avoid the sunlight if at all possible
    Gremlins.jpg \m/
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    i have heard from a number of sources that you gain weight if you eat after 7-8. how true is this?
    does anybody avoid eating late, does it help?
    #

    Thanks

    7

    If it were true than my husband and I would both be overweight. We typically eat dinner at 8:30pm and snacks after (we go to bed around 11pm)


    i tried your method. and gained weight.

    Only if you were going over in your calories. I am one that has to be more thoughtful when I eat after dinner because I start getting lazy and stop weighing or will get the noshy binges. However, just because I'm more likely to binge after 9 doesn't mean I have to stop eating after 9, I just need to be mindful of what I'm doing.
  • felice03
    felice03 Posts: 2,644 Member
    Depends on what you eat. You should eat protein and no carbs for dinner.


    I respectfully disagree.
  • twinketta
    twinketta Posts: 2,130 Member
    Depends on what you eat. You should eat protein and no carbs for dinner.


    I respectfully disagree.

    I agree with your disagreement.

    There is no valid reason why you should not have carbs at dinner?

    I am not being pedantic or nasty...it really is cals in and cals out and if you want to improve your body shape then exercise also?
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  • JasonDetwiler
    JasonDetwiler Posts: 364 Member
    My 5AM training is much better when I eat a lot right before bed.

    In general, I don't recommend eating after you go to sleep. It could be a choking hazard.
  • DenyseMarieL
    DenyseMarieL Posts: 673 Member
    Eat when you are hungry.
    Personally, I avoid a heavy meal right before bed, just because I find it hard to sleep. But, I will snack right up till I go to bed if I am hungry.
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    Whatever is the latest time that you feel hungry. If I don't eat a night time snack I am starving at bedtime and can't fall asleep. If I manage to fall asleep I usually wake up so hungry I would consider chewing my arm off. This concept would not work for me. I managed to lose weight eating all day (I do specifically save calories for night snacks), nor did I restrict carbs at night or any other rules...
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    i have heard from a number of sources that you gain weight if you eat after 7-8. how true is this?
    does anybody avoid eating late, does it help?
    #

    Thanks

    7

    If it were true than my husband and I would both be overweight. We typically eat dinner at 8:30pm and snacks after (we go to bed around 11pm)


    i tried your method. and gained weight.
    You gained weight cause you ate over your maintanance. People need to start taking personal responsibility. You caused yourself to gain weight, NOT the time of day.
  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member
    As soon as I got home from work, this morning, I ate some casein protein pudding with an oatmeal pie crust, and some lite Cool whip. Then I brushed my teeth, and went to bed. I still woke up weighing a pound less than I did yesterday.

    It doesn't matter what time you eat, as long as you eat fewer calories than you consume, you should lose weight.
  • johnieC
    johnieC Posts: 38
    i tend to give myself 3-4 hours between the last time i eat & when i go to bed, no real reason for it i guess, more just a mental thing
  • girlfighter1990
    girlfighter1990 Posts: 6
    Not True, Unless you eat like crap all day long....

    Eat Clean and you can eat anytime of the day or night

    Good Luck
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    Not True, Unless you eat like crap all day long....

    Eat Clean and you can eat anytime of the day or night

    Good Luck
    Not true at all.

    You can eat whatever you want, as long as you're under your maintanance.
  • Linda_Darlene
    Linda_Darlene Posts: 453 Member
    I stop eating when I am asleep. If you are withing your calorie range, eat whenever you want to!
  • wiltl
    wiltl Posts: 188 Member
    Time of day doesn't matter in terms of weight loss. I try to stop eating at least an hour before bed, if not two. I sleep better and feel better in the morning if I have time to digest a bit before laying down. But, I also had reflux for over 12 years and learned to eat early in the evening so the reflux didn't interrupt my sleep. After I had surgery to correct that, I kept up this timing of dinner. Doesn't mean I won't have a late night snack on a weekend once in a while though.

    As others have said, what you eat and when don't have an impact unless its above your daily limit (weight wise) or if its affecting your sleep (general health/wellness wise).
  • Kimestry101
    Kimestry101 Posts: 3
    I don't eat after 10pm, I might have a low cal, low fat snack (ie. 100 calorie snacks) before midnight if I'm having a long day.
  • NCchar130
    NCchar130 Posts: 955 Member
    If I have the calories 'available', I eat whenever I feel like it. I work out in the evening so often don't eat dinner until after 8 pm, sometimes later. I also know that I prefer to eat more in the evenings than earlier and since I'm trying to adjust my lifestyle to a way that works for me, I try to eat lightly for breakfast and lunch and snacks during the day. This has worked for me.

    I would say it only matters if you tend to get heartburn that will prevent you from getting a good night's sleep.
  • allthesefeelings_reclaimed
    allthesefeelings_reclaimed Posts: 22
    Stop trying to make things over-complicated. Eat when you're hungry, and don't eat when you aren't.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    i've been steadily lowering my body fat and i eat anytime of the day or night. sometimes i even wake up in the middle of night, stumble to the fridge eat a piece of cooked chicken and then will go back to sleep . as long as you are under your maintenance it doesnt matter what time you eat. your body uses calories 24 hours a day 7 day in order to keep itself running. if it were to stop doing that then you would be dead, not asleep or resting :laugh:

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