Does when you eat have as much impact on weight loss as what you eat?
Here’s what the research and a dietitian have to say about it.
One of those variables that’s recently been of interest to researchers is the impact of meal timing.
Photo: Westend61/ Getty
So, when and how often should you eat when you’re trying to lose weight?
This deters late-night snacking and allows the body time for digestion, which allows for more restful sleep later.
Eating dinner earlier also increases the block of time we go without food.
This may increase fat burning and improve the regulation of hormones that impact appetite, cravings and blood sugar.
You need that energy during the day when you’re most active and also need thebrain power.
While there’s not a definitive answer, two things are clear.
This can play out in several ways.
But there are two caveats to this.
The first is to check that you get at least a 12-hour break between dinner and the next meal.
From a professional standpoint, it suggests there’s a lot more to learn about weight loss.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas to try.
Also, remember there is no right or wrong way to do this.
For one person, this may mean eating breakfast, lunch and two snacks.
For another, it may mean eating a large brunch meal and one snack.
Make Dinner Early and Light
Consider eating dinner as early as 4 or 5 p.m. An easy way to achieve this is to push dinner a little earlier or skip the late-night snacks.
