How Late Should We Really Stop Eating?

 

By Estela Schnelle MS, RD

www.weeklybite.com

Everyone has his or her own theory about this.  I’ve heard it all… “No carbs after 4pm”, “Food turns into fat after a certain hour”.  All these myths are false!  The truth is, our bodies run on a 24hr clock… not an eight or twelve-hour day.  If you are truly physically hungry, you need to eat! 

Why are these rules made?

In my article “Dieting vs. Calorie Counting” it states, “eating healthy is very important, but how much we eat is even more important”.  This is the main reason why these rules are made.  It’s called MINDLESS EATING.  For most of us, mindless eating happens in the evening, after dinner, watching TV, when we’re bored, etc…  Weight gain generally occurs when we consistently eat for reasons other than hunger (mindless eating).  Think about it… we eat dinner, we’re comfortably full, definitely not hungry anymore, but somehow, we still find a way to squeeze a cup or two of ice cream in there.  Don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with dessert, but you have to account for it.  Make it part of your meal.  Not the mindless noshing that can occur after dinner.

Make your own rules!

You should know your body better than anyone!  Make your own rules.  I’ll use myself as an example.  It took some time, but I’m happy that I’ve gotten to know my body pretty well.  I know how much food is too much for me.  I know how much I can eat at dinner and feel content and satisfied.  I know that after each meal (including breakfast) I HAVE to have a small piece of DOVE dark chocolate.  I know that if I snack too much after dinner, I will not be hungry for breakfast.  I know how I will feel the next morning when I over do it at a restaurant the night before.  I make it a general rule for myself not to snack or eat after dinner.  If I am truly physically hungry after dinner, I will have something small to satisfy the hunger, but the lesson that I take away from that is I either didn’t eat enough for dinner, or didn’t eat enough throughout the day.  With my clients, I give them the general rule to stop eating two hours before they go to bed.  That way they can feel hungry for breakfast the next morning. 

Get to know your body!  Try different things out and see what works best for you.  Don’t be afraid to make a mistake… that’s the best way to learn!    Know that following the rules you have made for your body are better than what any book can tell you!

If you have any questions about this article, want to know more, or have suggestions for future topics, add a comment in the comments section below.  If you know of anyone who may benefit from this article click on the “share this” icon below; from there you can post a link to this article or you can email it to a friend. 

Tags: , , ,

92 Responses to “How Late Should We Really Stop Eating?”

  1. Lisa M. Says:

    I have found that for blood sugar management, eating a little something before bedtime vastly improves my morning gluose readings which have been the most difficult to control. I wake up feeling hungry, but not ravenous…just right on my hunger scale. Small regular portions of my favorite protein/carb combos keep me on an even keel throughout the day. I have absolutely had to eliminate the old routine of sipping through a glass of wine while snacking during evening TV time. Once I did this, I realized I was a actually a bit hungry by bedtime and this was just fine. My HbA1c results are improving…yay!

  2. Weekly Bite Says:

    Hi Lisa! I’m so happy to hear your HbA1c is improving! That’s great news!
    And yes, for diabetes, you want to have something small before bed to keep your blood sugar at a good level through the night. Keep up the good work!

    ~Estela

  3. Maggie Says:

    I have so much trouble with no snacking/eating after dinner, but I’m really trying for it. I used to have an ED (well, they don’t ever go away completely I guess) and it’s really hard for me to balance my eating – enough during the day, not too much at night, etc. I love being hungry for breakfast but I only achieve that when I don’t snack after dinner – which is a rarity. I’m glad you talked about this today :)

  4. Ashley Says:

    I usually have a small snack after dinner but it is relatively healthy. The reason I do this is because we eat a pretty early dinner so I’m usually hungry again. I still wake up hungry the next morning so I don’t think I over eat at night.

  5. Kate Says:

    I’ve heard you should eat 1-2 after waking up to jump start your metabolism. I tend to work out in the morning, so I don’t eat for about 3 hours. However, wouldn’t the workout first thing have the same effect? Thanks for clarifying!

    Great blog – I just found it via Kath Eats Real Food and am glad I did!

  6. Weekly Bite Says:

    Kate,

    So glad you like the blog! In regards to eating in the morning, not eating until after you workout is fine. The only time you really need to eat prior to an early morning workout is if you are doing a very intense workout. A good example would be endurance athletes/ long distance runners. Heavy exercising for 90 minutes or more requires fuel. The only other consideration would be if you wake up STARVING (this happens sometimes), you need just a little something to bring the blood sugar up (a swig of oj, 1/4 protein bar), and then you can have a healthy breakfast after your workout.

    Hope this helps!
    Stay Healthy!
    Weekly Bite – Estela

  7. Lynn Says:

    Any body have tips they could share on how not to eat in the evening?
    When I am at home relaxing after a day at work I always want to nibble, even if I’m not hungry!
    I try to stay busy but really I just want to relax

  8. TheMan370 Says:

    Hope everybody has (or had) a nice holiday.

  9. detox drink recipes Says:

    Why do many now think that detox entails fasting for days? There is no need to starve yourself for days on end!
    Many foods help with the detox process so it would be crazy to deprive youerself of these foods whilst detoxing.

  10. Sublingual HCG Says:

    Very insightful. I like the way you write. Do you provide an RSS feed?

  11. foot detox Says:

    Just wanted to say hi and tell you how much I appreciated your article. I’ve taken note so I will be back. great post!

  12. elektronik Says:

    ts really helpfull and informative , Amazing work darragh ..Way of explanation and pictures presentation is attaractive .

  13. Dayle Lodholz Says:

    Greetings! I just now read your post and We enjoyed it. We were wondering if you were planning to write additional articles to go in addition to this one?

  14. best pda phone 2009 Says:

    You wouldn’t believe it but I’ve wasted all day digging for some articles about this. You’re a lifesaver, it was an excellent study and has helped me out to no end. Cheers,

  15. Allen Wright Says:

    I have heard that this is a very good diet to use for maintanance.

  16. Tonia Hagebusch Says:

    When i look what others before me said i just want to say i dont totally agree on this topic. I guide more on the premiss .. like keeping in mind only what you see before your eyes and what you have in your hand. Anyway i will get back to you with my points of view on this after i fully analyze my perspective.

    Ps.There is no diffrence between bygg and big there is just how you compare prices (jämför priser) and you complete the deal.

  17. Matthew Fryday Says:

    When i look what others before me said i just want to say i dont totally agree on this topic. I guide more on the premiss .. like keeping in mind only what you see before your eyes and what you have in your hand. Anyway i will get back to you with my points of view on this after i fully analyze my perspective.

    Ps.There is no diffrence between bygg and big there is just how you compare prices (jämför priser) and you complete the deal.

  18. Jacelyn Crissinger Says:

    The theme of your blog is very good to me

  19. Christel Feldmann Says:

    When i look what others before me said i just want to say i dont totally agree on this topic. My opinion is based on another view that makes more sens .. like keeping in mind only what you see before your eyes and what you have in your hand. Anyway i will get back to you with my arguments on this after i fully analyze my perspective.

    Ps.There is no diffrence between bygg and big there is just how you compare prices (jämför priser) and you complete the deal.

  20. Indonesiafood.net Says:

    Nice post…thanks for sharing it with us… cheers

  21. minocsa ssloeegs Says:

    Wedding plplanners need to be the leaders, they are the first contact.

  22. joahnsna sgeer Says:

    Wedding plplanners need to be the leaders, they are the first contact.

  23. The 21-Day Sugar Detox Manual From Balanced Bites. | 7Wins.eu Says:

    [...] Saying Goodbye: How To Stop Eating SugarHow Late Should We Really Stop Eating? | [...]

  24. Adolph Zammiello Says:

    Great blog post.Really looking forward to read more.

  25. replica handbags Says:

    You write very detailed,Pay tribute to you.Couldn’t be written any better. Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  26. replica handbags Says:

    My English is not good, but to see the article you write a good feel of your

  27. Patricia Dusik Says:

    hi. I stumbled upon completely unique internet page and also I really should believe that this specific is a excellent page. Many thanks just for this unique data.

  28. gucci handbags Says:

    Need to subscribe to this blog, great post. Found it on bing.

  29. designer replica handbags Says:

    I just visited your site via Facebook..I found myself regurgitating what you said in your 1 and 2 points while answering the three questions. =) I’ll be brief insteadwould you be interested in becoming weblog partners?

  30. Morton Altenburg Says:

    This web site has surely changed my point of view on this subject. Theres no way I wouldve thought about this in this way if I hadnt appear throughout your website. All I was doing was cruising the net and I uncovered your weblog and all of the sudden my views have transformed. Very good on you, man!

  31. alcohol detox Says:

    Good posting. Enjoyed reading through this. Some wonderful assistance here on your blog site, this is a wonderful resource. Saving it immediately! Cheers. Sally

  32. mafia wars guide Says:

    Thanks for taking the time to post such a detailed and informative article.

  33. where to buy hcg Says:

    This is a really good article. I came to your blog from yahoo while browsing a similar subject material. I really appreciated what you had to discuss. Keep up the great work!

  34. Terrence Malensek Says:

    I was shocked at how good this chocolate tasted and I lost around 2 pounds a week. Boo Yah!

  35. Borrego Springs Earthquake 2010 Says:

    I feel a lot more people need to read this, very good info! . . . . . .

  36. body armor Says:

    Topnotch post. It is difficult finding posts that are well researched. I can tell you have done your research.

  37. Anna Fermanova Says:

    Hello, my group is just establishing our first website, searching and working out what is needed. This blog stuck out right away. I’m fired up about this, and adore the design of your site. Are you able to let me know what “theme” it is?

  38. I Like It Enrique Iglesias Video Says:

    This is a really good read for me. Must admit that you are one of the coolest bloggers I ever saw. Thanks for posting this informative article.

  39. gucci Says:

    haha …..the one who is posting the discount gucci handbags comments

  40. I Like It Enrique Iglesias Video Says:

    I really love going back to your site to read your story and see more pictures that are really taken with great care. . . . . .

  41. midsection warrior Says:

    I need to lose weight very badly. Will this show me how to lose stomach fat fast

  42. product marketing Says:

    Reallyy amazing and informative blog post here. I just wanted to comment & thank you for posting this. I’ve bookmarked youi blog and I’ll be back to read more in the future my friend! Also nice colors on the layout, it’s really easy on the eyes.

  43. Benton Jochum Says:

    excellent writing .

  44. Danilo Deardurff Says:

    Sorry for the huge review, but I’m really loving the new Zune, and hope this, as well as the excellent reviews some other people have written, will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

  45. Gps Antenna Says:

    This is a interesting post.

  46. car donation cancer Says:

    Thanks for good article. Hope to see more soon. . . . .

  47. Adrian Taylor Says:

    Read the landlord’s post could not help but be inspired with enthusiasm

  48. folfox chemotherapy Says:

    Thanks for the sharing really usefull. I would like to bookmark this site.

  49. gardening for beginners Says:

    Very useful informations about these subject. I have found them with googling and you seems number one of these subjects ! . . .

  50. Legalsounds Says:

    I can see that you are an expert in this area. I am starting a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.

  51. Jack Roush Plane Crash Says:

    Advantageously, the post is actually the sweetest topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your future updates. Just saying thanks will not just be enough, for the extraordinary clarity in your writing. I will immediately grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates.

  52. gardening for beginners Says:

    Thanks for taking the time to share this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.

  53. gardening for dummies Says:

    Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

  54. hcg diet Says:

    A refreshing point of view written in a compelling and interesting way. Nice.

  55. Legalsounds Says:

    I wanted to thank you for this interesting I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to look at the latest stuff you post.

  56. gardening for dummies Says:

    Advantageously, the post is actually the sweetest topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your future updates. Just saying thanks will not just be enough, for the extraordinary clarity in your writing. I will immediately grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates.

  57. Sell Tera Says:

    Great job on the blog, it looks great. I am going to save it and will make sure to check often

  58. Pacifiers Says:

    Thanks for taking the time to write that, I found it very detailed. If you get a chance you should visit my site as well. I hope you have a nice day!

  59. Cleansing Colon Says:

    I had been incredibly pleased to uncover this internet site.I wanted to thank you for this good go through!! I certainly enjoying every minor bit of it and I have you bookmarked to verify out new things you post.

  60. birthday supplies Says:

    Excellent blog! I definitely love how it’s easy on my eyes and the facts are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which should do the trick! Have a nice day!

  61. freshwater pearls Says:

    found your site on del.icio.us today and really liked it.. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later

  62. shipping agents Says:

    Nice being going to your blog once again, it has been months for me. Nicely this content that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this piece of writing to comprehensive my assignment inside college, and it has exact same subject together with your article. Thanks, good share.

  63. gucci handbags Says:

    Hey admin, very informative blog post! Pleasee continue this awesome work..

  64. Ab Circle Pro Discount Says:

    Most people give up just when they’re about to achieve success.

  65. Ab Circle Says:

    I’d recommend this because it’s actually readable. Unusual — sad but true.

  66. Ordinateur de Bureau Says:

    with ‘we leave it to you to decide’.

  67. Courtney Hurter Says:

    Thanks for sharing

  68. Vicente Neihoff Says:

    Something that has worked for me is a energy bar called the access bar. It blocks adenosine, a substance in the body that prevents the burning of stored fat. So you can access your bodies fat stores directly and get rid of it easier.

  69. Detox cleanse Says:

    I dont know what to say. This blog is wonderful. Thats not genuinely a genuinely massive statement, but its all I could come up with immediately after reading this. You realize much about this subject matter. So much to ensure you built me would like to understand far more about this. Your web site is my stepping stone, my buddy. Thanks for the heads up on this theme.

  70. Lingerie Says:

    Hello, my group is just establishing our first website, searching and working out what is needed. This blog stuck out right away. I’m fired up about this, and adore the design of your site. Are you able to let me know what “theme” it is?

  71. Terrance Guzzardo Says:

    Once Once again great post. You Appear to have a good understanding of these themes.When I entering your blog,I felt this.

  72. loose weight fast Says:

    Your header is a bit wonky in Chrome, mate.

  73. Beverly Gabl Says:

    http://hubpages.com/hub/Chronic-Sleep-Deprivation Chronic Sleep Deprivation

  74. Hip Hop Says:

    I’m a little confused what exactly is given in the info.

  75. Ladawn Blasingim Says:

    Interesting Write-up with A number of Helpful advises. Thank you very Very much, I?l Begin Reading through your Weblog.

  76. new weight loss Says:

    it would be a great useful for some people who want to start their own resource. it is my pleasure to be one of those people who commented on your post. . thank you for give a opportunities… more power and god bless ..new weight loss

  77. Young Jeezy Songs Says:

    I typically don’t comment on websites but you have some good information material.

  78. coffee stomach problems Says:

    Advantageously, the post is in reality the freshest topic on curing acne naturally. I concur with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your upcoming updates. Just saying thanks will not just be enough, for the phenomenal clarity in your writing. I will right away grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates.

  79. new weight loss Says:

    This is a definitely useful blog. Many thanks for sharing! I have put your RSS feed into my web site.new weight loss

  80. Earnest Duma Says:

    I was Truly looking for this Source a few weeks back. Many thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.This will Definitely Heading

  81. web Says:

    Bravo afin de cette papier histoire. Admis vraiment très interressant. j’ai bigrement eu la chance d’apprendre. Respect et ainsi merci.

  82. book a flight Says:

    Thank you dans the purpose de tone histoire! I apprecié really, puisque l’appareil device has me eu the luck(chance) of apprendre les things quels I knew pas. Really interressant.

  83. ESPY Awards Voting Says:

    Guys, Great article and very very interesting blog. That’s one thing I’m really looking forward. Looking forward to reading more from you next week.

  84. gu bücher Says:

    Danke für das Artikel, dies Gebiet hat mich interessé in wahrheit entscheident. Grace within dies Artikel konnte ich neue Sachen viel gelernt, eine perfekte ich nicht kannte. Danke, bravo oder Respekt.

  85. forum avatars Says:

    I enjoyed reading this, i’ve been wondering about this subject for a while.

  86. Kirsten Kennis Says:

    This is a good step to save paper. And will save the rain forests in Indonesia. Moreover, this will reduce the burden on the back of elementary school students. Of course this will make the traditional printing companies and governments in the third world into a panic because of their unpreparedness of information technology. . .

  87. fasting blood test Says:

    Appreciation smart any solutions plus individual references information’s.

  88. harley davidson accessories Says:

    Is there anyway I can contact the webmaster? I am very hungry for more information.

  89. novita libri Says:

    Grazia da questo articolo ho sensibilmente saputo significando nuove cose quale non sapevo non . Grazie, applauso con rispetto.

  90. bestsellerliste bücher Says:

    Danke für das Angebote, das Gebiet hat mich interessé faktisch viel. Grace inside das Angebote konnte ich beste Sachen viel gelernt, eine gute ich nicht kannte. Danke, bravo oder Respekt.

  91. top registry cleaner Says:

    Great page, I like how the website looks! The style is great!

  92. filterless air purifier Says:

    I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.

Leave a Reply

Anti-Spam Protection by WP-SpamFree