Eating before bed is generally considered bad because it will likely lead to weight gain. Actually, the opinions are different. Several nutritionists claim that a full meal before going to bed is not recommended. However, light snacks are not prohibited.
Eating a full meal before bed affects the circadian rhythm
When you’ve been running around all day, it makes sense to come home very tired and very hungry. In this situation, you are looking for a rich meal that will fill you up and make you happy. Unfortunately, you will fall asleep soon.
Circadian rhythm is derived from the Latin phrase “circa diem” meaning “around the day”. It is actually our body’s internal 24-hour clock that regulates all our functions from sleep to wake. If your circadian rhythm is disrupted, you will experience both night and day problems. At the same time, if your body is in tune with its circadian rhythm, metabolism will also work more correctly and your digestion. In particular, digestion is always most effective when moving throughout the day, drinking water and being at full speed. Even at night, you need to rest to restore digestion. One factor that can affect your circadian rhythm is a heavy dinner before bed. Imagine the impact it can have on your organization.
A light snack is an ideal choice
But you don’t have to be disappointed. A light snack before bed is not bad at all. Also, going to bed too hungry is not a good idea. All you need to focus on is your options. You need to choose something healthy, because in the evening when fatigue peaks, most people tend to look for comfort foods and above all, unhealthy and easy options. Resist and don’t fall for crisps, crackers and cookies.
Typically, refined carbohydrates quickly raise blood sugar levels, which can affect your sleep. Your body will have to work harder to stabilize your blood sugar. Alternatively, consider light cheese or low-fat yogurt and fruit to give your body a combination of carbs, fat, and protein.
Tips not to eat too much at night
If you find it very difficult not to eat heavy food at night, you should pay attention to the rest of the day. The better coordinated you are during the day, the fuller you’ll be when you come home at night. Some simple tips can help you:
1 Take care of your leftovers for the day
If you neglect to eat during the day, then you are going to eat heavily in the evening because your body will not be able to recover. To avoid overeating, divide your day into three balanced meals that contain protein, fiber, good fats and carbohydrates.
2 Do something before bed
Often we may turn to food not because we are hungry, but because we are bored. If you choose dinner as your bedtime movie companion, try something different some nights. Read a book, talk to a friend, meditate for a few minutes. This way you will calm down and you will also stimulate your psychology. So you will sleep better.
3 Reduce stress
Be careful when you turn to heavier meals before bed. You’d be surprised, but these can be your most stressful days. Help yourself with psychotherapy, yoga or meditation, do your favorite exercise, walk and have fun all week. The lower your stress levels, the more likely you’ll find yourself eating healthier and lighter before bed.
Anyway, don’t worry if some nights are more difficult and you can’t get yourself settled. If you eat a few more meals at night, you will not gain weight. However, it is best not to make a habit of eating heavily before going to bed. Then you will face problems in the long run. First, you will not rest at night, which will haunt you for the rest of the day and continue like a vicious cycle. If you are hungry, there is no need to fast at night. Just remember to choose light and healthy snacks that will not burden your body and sleep.