Eating after 7:00 pm...

Still_Sossy
Still_Sossy Posts: 868 Member
edited September 24 in Fitness and Exercise
I have read in fitness magazines and WW says so too that you should not eat anything after 7:00pm. Anyone know any fact behind this? Does it make you store more fat, burn less calories, bloat you in the morning?

Replies

  • mideon_696
    mideon_696 Posts: 770 Member
    WHAT!? lol.

    crazy talk.
  • sweetie89207
    sweetie89207 Posts: 361
    well i've heard a lot of ppl say it doesnt matter...i think it really only affects possibly ur sleep...but to be honest when we weigh on a weekly basis- the weight loss is those complete 7 days and the amount we burned versus the amount we took in...so logically it seems like it wouldnt matter...just my opinion...i eat late all the time and am still loosing weight regularly
  • mrmarius
    mrmarius Posts: 1,802 Member
    long as your in a calorie deficit it doesnt matter
  • MiketotheJ
    MiketotheJ Posts: 15
    That's working off the assumption that you're going to sleep by 10pm. Generally, it's not a good idea to eat within 3 hours of bed because your body is likely to still be digesting the meal and since it's working, it's not completely at rest and you're not getting quality sleep.

    Also, while you're sleeping, you're using less calories to fuel your body so the calories in that meal are more likely to get stored for later (i.e. left to turn into fat) instead of being burned by your normal daily activities.

    At least, that's my understanding. Not a doctor here.
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    I would say it also depends if you are trying to lose weight or not :)
  • fromaquasar
    fromaquasar Posts: 811 Member
    I have heard lots of people tell me not to - but on the flip side if you are hungry and deny yourself you are more likely to binge or store food when you do eat it

    SO I eat after 7 if I'm hungry. But I try not to eat anything too heavy - so normally yoghurt, fruit etc. But sometimes Im running late and I won't eat dinner till later
  • Mark_99
    Mark_99 Posts: 39
    That's working off the assumption that you're going to sleep by 10pm. Generally, it's not a good idea to eat within 3 hours of bed because your body is likely to still be digesting the meal and since it's working, it's not completely at rest and you're not getting quality sleep.

    Also, while you're sleeping, you're using less calories to fuel your body so the calories in that meal are more likely to get stored for later (i.e. left to turn into fat) instead of being burned by your normal daily activities.

    At least, that's my understanding. Not a doctor here.

    Tha is exactly why they tell you not to eat after 7pm, spot on......
  • Lyadeia
    Lyadeia Posts: 4,603 Member
    I don't buy into the whole "don't eat within 3 hours of going to bed" thing. I have heard to the contrary, and from personal experience, as long as I am in my calorie goal for weight loss I lose weight no matter when I eat. I don't binge or anything before bed, but that cottage cheese I had won't become cottage cheese thighs...for example.
  • princesschikee
    princesschikee Posts: 138
    I agree with MiketotheJ. If you do have to eat, make it something like an apple or a piece of cheese. The big thing is eating carbs gives you energy and as the day wears on your body tends to slow down and not burn as much. I typically taper off my carbs, heavy in the morning and light in the evening.
    There's a big debate, but I would try different things and see how it works. I would probably do a little more research and find some answers from reputable sources.
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    I don't normally eat dinner until after 7 also :P

    I would not be eating a simple carb like fruit prior to bed if fat loss is the goal. Something high protein or high fat (nuts?) is the go as they take longer to digest. Even a glass of milk if you are just a little bit hungry would be a good option.
  • Myschelle
    Myschelle Posts: 101 Member
    I'd have to say it depends on your shift, maybe like don't eat less than 2 or 3 hours before going to bed?????
  • Valtishia
    Valtishia Posts: 811 Member
    I eat after 7pm all the time. I usually try to have my last snack 2 hours before bed though.
  • jerseygirl777
    jerseygirl777 Posts: 148
    People say not to eat 2-3 hours before bed... but I know some people who can eat whenever and still lose weight. I think each person is different and you need to see what works for you. If I have a late night snack, I try to choose raw veggies as opposed to anything high in carbs/sugar or a heavy meal. You just have to see what works best for YOU!
  • GiGi76
    GiGi76 Posts: 876 Member
    I eat dinner around 9-10pm every night of the week and i havent had any problems losing weight!!!
  • outersoul
    outersoul Posts: 711
    I eat after 7 almost every night and it hasn't hindered my progress yet. It's just the way my schedule works out.
  • RunnerGirl876
    RunnerGirl876 Posts: 17
    I don't have any scientific proof but I know that I've eaten 700 calories since 7pm (it's now midnight), and this isn't a one off! I've never had a problem with it and I'm at the lower end of a healthy BMI.

    I just get the munchies at night. :bigsmile:

    But what works for one person may not work for another, for example if you can't sleep on a full stomach, so I'd say work out what works for you. :smile:

    ...but do let me know if you find out any good sources saying I'ma pile on the pounds... :ohwell: :tongue:
  • kelika71
    kelika71 Posts: 778 Member
    I've eaten right up to about an hour before bed. Everybody is different. If you deal with heartburn, I wouldn't advise eating close to bed time. I've seen no problem, otherwise. Some are saying it's just a myth now. If you take me, just one statistic, it proves that. I'm sure I can find another that is opposite.
    Try it and see if it works for you. :)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories