Several studies have linked eating before bedtime to increased risks for cardiovascular disease, blood vessel problems, and stroke. Additionally, eating before bedtime may contribute to obesity. According to Sarah Muntel, registered dietitian and bariatric coordinator at Community Health Network in Indianapolis, eating before bedtime increases the risk of obesity and heart disease. So, when is the best time to stop eating before bed? Read on to find out.
Should You Eat Before Bed?
Many ask, “is eating before bed bad?” While you shouldn’t eat right before bed, it may make sense to eat something small before you retire. Certain foods have a positive effect on serotonin levels, which are responsible for making us feel relaxed and happy. Some foods also contain melatonin, a hormone that helps us sleep. Research has found that melatonin can improve sleep quality and ease insomnia. Before you decide whether or not to eat before bed, consider what you are likely to eat.
The answer depends on your lifestyle. Large meals late at night can cause discomfort and indigestion. Desserts may trigger cravings for sugary foods. In addition, a small snack can satisfy cravings without exceeding your daily calorie intake. Regardless of the reason, eating something small before bed is always better than nothing at all. If you eat a large meal late in the evening, it can contribute to weight gain.
What’s OK To Eat Before Bed?
While eating before bed is perfectly fine, it is important to avoid certain foods. Chocolate and other citrus fruits are particularly bad for you. They have caffeine and can disturb your sleep. Fried foods and alcohol should be avoided too, since they can disrupt your sleep quality. A single glass of wine can cause a restless night and exhaustion the next day. In general, you should avoid fatty or salty snacks before bedtime.
High-calorie foods are also bad to eat before bed. These are high in sugar and unhealthy fats. You may want to eat just one Oreo, but don’t eat the entire row. Eating junk food before bed is not a good habit and can contribute to weight gain and decreased sleep quality. Also, eating before bed increases your risk of having a hangover the next morning.
What Should You Avoid Before Bed?
When it comes to a good night’s sleep, certain foods should be avoided, particularly those that are high in calories. Not only are they not healthy, but they can also disrupt your sleep. Avoid fatty foods before bed, especially those high in sugar. These foods will make your stomach work extra hard before you can even get to sleep. Avoid junk food, nuts, ice cream, and super cheesy foods before bed. Eating unhealthy before bed are the main reasons that you see weird dreams.
While dark chocolate contains little caffeine, it can have an effect on your sleep. Higher-percentage chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that can stimulate heart rate and alertness and hinder deep sleep. Other foods to avoid before bed are processed meats, such as turkey, which contain tryptophan, which promotes sleep. A snack of dried fruit with low caffeine content, such as almonds, can help you to fall asleep without feeling groggy.
What’s The Best Time To Stop Eating Before Bed?
It’s not recommended to eat too close to bedtime. Your body will need three hours to digest the food you just ate, and this will keep your digestion from becoming too slow. You can eat up to three hours before bed, but it’s best to wait three hours before sleeping. This will help prevent stomach acid from rising in the morning and causing heartburn. In addition, it will give your body time to eliminate the food before you sleep.
Not only can eating close to bedtime make you feel tired and groggy, it can also affect your sleep. Additionally, you’ll have a harder time falling asleep. These things can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. Here are some health risks to avoid when eating close to bedtime. Besides poor sleep, eating too close to bedtime can increase your risk for heart problems, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.
Conclusion
According to nutrition researcher Eric Ravussin, eating before bed increases calorie intake. Additionally, skipping dinner increases calorie intake and triggers cravings for certain foods. But is eating before bed really bad for your body? Read on to find out! And remember, eating before bed can help you lose weight too! Here are some of the best ways to avoid binge eating and maximize your fat burning potential. – Eat a small, healthy snack before bed.