You’ve probably heard people mention the benefits of having an early dinner on a weight-loss journey, but have you ever wondered why dining by seven or eight p.m. is so helpful?
Eating dinner two to three hours before bed boosts your metabolism, giving your body enough time to properly digest food and reducing the risk of acid reflux during the night.
Ideally, there should be an 11 to 12-hour gap between dinner and breakfast to optimize digestion.
What happens if you eat late?
Eating late at night can hinder digestion, causing calories to be stored as fat.
Over time, this can lead to increased fat storage and weight gain.
Late-night meals can also cause indigestion and heartburn.
Studies show that having dinner at least two hours before bed can lower cancer risks—men may see a 26% decrease in prostate cancer risk, and women could have a 16% lower risk of breast cancer.
The benefits of an early dinner
An early dinner helps regulate blood sugar, reducing fatigue and irritability, while giving you more energy to stay active before bed.
On the other hand, eating too close to bedtime can lead to indigestion, gas, and bloating.
The more time you allow between your meal and sleep, the better your digestion will function.
Eating late also disrupts sleep
Late-night meals force your digestive system to work while you sleep, disrupting deep sleep and leaving you feeling restless.
People who eat late tend to consume more food, and those extra calories are often stored as fat, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Avoid snacking after dinner
Snacks like chocolate, ice cream, or chips are often high in calories and eaten out of boredom or stress, rather than hunger. These extra calories get stored as fat, contributing to weight gain.
Avoid lying down right after eating
Lying down immediately after eating can lead to indigestion, acid reflux, and heartburn, particularly with high-fat or spicy foods.
Eating sugary snacks late at night can also spike blood sugar levels, disrupting your sleep in the same way alcohol does, reducing deep sleep.