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Real Life Nutrition Questions Answered

Real Life Fitness Questions Answered

Emma Brown
Nutritionist

Janet Aylott
Nutritionist

Kelly Marshall
Fitness Consultant

Q.

Does it matter what time you eat?

Does it matter what time you eat? When talking to friends about dieting they always say don't eat after 6pm. I tried this for a while eating my evening meal at 5-6pm problem was that then by 10pm I was really hungry and often ended up eating more. So I started to eat my dinner around 7.30pm- 8pm and this kept me full till bedtime. Does it really make a difference what time you eat or is it the calories that really matter no matter what time you eat?

A.

Our expert says...

Hello there.

The answer to your question is that the time you eat shouldn't make a difference to your weight loss and it is the calories consumed that is important. To lose weight you simply need to use up more calories than you eat each day.

However, I have to say that individual experiences can be different on this point. It is true that some people do find it easier to lose weight if they don't eat in the evening and have an early evening meal, setting a cut-off time like your friends. For other people, not eating carbohydrates after a certain time in the day also seems to help. This may have something to do with their metabolism and their bodies may be more efficient at burning off calories earlier on in the day.

This routine does not suit everyone though, as you have found out. If eating earlier leaves you feeling hungry, and the net result is that you eat more over the day, I would recommend that you avoid doing this. My advice is always to stick to a routine that you know works best for you! I would just avoid eating too close to bedtime and try to leave at least 2 hours between eating and going to bed. That way you fully digest your food before you go to sleep.

Disclaimer
You are advised to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle with an aim of weight loss. This website and the content provided should not be used by persons under 18, by pregnant or nursing women, or individuals with any type of health condition, except under the direct supervision of a qualified medical professional. The information contained in these articles, and elsewhere on this website, is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to replace, and does not constitute legal, professional, medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis and may not be used for such purposes. Continue...

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