In today's fast-paced world, we're used to counting calories, checking food labels, and reading labels. But do we pay attention to when we eat? It turns out that the time of day we eat dinner is just as important for our health, energy, sleep, and even weight loss.
Research shows that nutrition, metabolism, and circadian rhythms are closely linked. Eating an early dinner is not just a habit, but a real tool for improving well-being. People who suffer from reflux, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, or discomfort after eating are often advised to stop eating at least three hours before bedtime.
Early dinners can also be beneficial for diabetics, as they help to better control blood glucose levels. And for those who want to lose weight. The reason is not only that we move less in the evening. When we eat late, we extend the “food window” — that is, the period when the body receives food. This forces our digestive system to work without interruption, and takes away the time needed to burn fat and repair cells.
Experts believe that the optimal time for dinner is between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. If dinner falls at 9:00 p.m. or later, the body does not have time to “turn off,” and sleep becomes less quality.
What should you not eat before bed?
Regardless of dinner time, it's worth avoiding some foods that are harmful to both digestion and sleep:
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Fatty food (fried, fast food, fatty meat): difficult to digest, causes a feeling of heaviness.
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Caffeine (coffee, energy drinks, chocolate): stimulates the nervous system, makes it difficult to fall asleep.
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Alcohol : Although it can cause drowsiness, it impairs sleep quality and disrupts biorhythms.
Cutting out late dinners is a simple step that can have profound effects. Health starts not just on your plate, but also on your watch.
