What time should you eat dinner?
It depends on who you askand probably where you live.
This question occurred to me as I tried to make dinner reservations for my upcoming trip to Barcelona.
Graphic: Channing Smith. Photos: Getty Images.
Ive since joined thecamp of peoplewho believe the best time for dinner falls between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.
I like to be finished eating by 7:15 p.m. at the latest.
My personal preference aside, it turns out that there are actual health benefits to eating early too.
What time should you eat dinner?
Well, it really depends on your daily routine.
This allows for our mealtimes to align with ourcircadian rhythm cyclesand for our food to adequately digest.
Finding your new normal dinnertime requires a consistent bedtime too.
Then, count backwards from that bedtime by at least three hours.
This should be your latest mealtime.
What are the benefits of eating dinner early?
There has also been some research that shows there are benefits to letting our bodies fast overnight.
This break might result in benefits to metabolism, digestion, and sleep.
Eating dinner too late can also negativelyimpact blood sugar levels, adds Riehm.
Is eating dinner late bad for you?
It also might change how hungry you feel for breakfast in the mornings, she says.
Breakfast can be important to help with balancing hunger and energy throughout the day.
Can eating dinner early help you lose weight?
Is it OK to eat a nighttime snack?
While I love an early dinner, I might love my nighttime snack even more.
Fortunately, doing so is dietitian-approved.
I always recommend eating when you feel hungryregardless of what time it is.
Its important not to restrict your intake when youre feeling hungry.
What foods should you avoid before bed?
According to Riehm, its best to avoid eating meals that contain large portions of carbohydrates right before bed.
This can be especially concerning if youre someone already dealing with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes.
