If you’re looking to get fitter, or simply take back control of your diet and nutritional intake, it may surprise you to learn that the task is more complex than simply monitoring what you eat. The time of day that foods are eaten at can also play a big role when it comes to regulating blood sugars, staying fuller for longer, and making it easier to stay on top of your weight goals. Check out these three tips about timing your eating right.
Breakfast Is Important
There has been a lot of debate about the first meal of the day, with some arguing it’s a great one to skip if you’re looking to lose weight, whilst others maintain that it’s the most important meal of the day. Experts now agree that individuals react differently to missing out on breakfast, with some people feeling fine until lunchtime, whilst others will make up for the lack of breakfast by snacking on energy-dense foods come mid morning. A good rule of thumb is to start the day off with some hydration (lemon water is a great choice) and some gentle movement, such as a short walk or some yoga. Half an hour to an hour after this, if you’re feeling hungry then that’s a great sign to get stuck into some healthy porridge, wholemeal toast or eggs.
Load Up At Lunch
Too many of us skip lunch or place little important on it while we’re at work, but emerging evidence suggests that eating a decent amount in the middle of the day is a great way to stay fuelled and stave off afternoon snacking. Try some vegetable soup with wholemeal bread, a high protein option like a chicken salad or eggs, or enjoy a luxury sandwich with some greens. Eating four to five hours after you’ve eaten breakfast should mean that you feel hungry and ready to eat lunch, without your blood sugars dipping too low.
Enjoy An Early Dinner
There’s now plenty of evidence to suggest that eating too late at night (depending on your bedtime, this would be around 7 – 8pm) can have a negative impact on our sleep, metabolism and digestion. Enjoy an earlier, lighter dinner with a focus on plenty of vegetables and wholegrains to keep you sated until the morning. Don’t forget to add some healthy proteins, such as tofu, beans, fish or white meat.
Considering the times at which you eat, as well as the content of your meals, can help you hit your dietary goals, whatever it is you’re working towards.
