Will Eating Late at Night Make You Gain Weight?

Will Eating Late at Night Make You Gain Weight?

There seems to be a misconception that eating at night, say after 6:00 PM, will result in weight gain. However, the conventional wisdom today is that a calorie is a calorie, regardless of when you eat it. What causes weight gain is simply what it is that you are eating and eating more calories than you burn.

Those individuals who eat at night out of habit, boredom, or simply to satisfy cravings are more likely to pack on those extra pounds. Rather than after-dinner snacking, which has a tendency to be uncontrolled, a planned meal consisting mostly of protein should be consumed before bedtime. Consuming a source of protein prior to bedtime is intended to keep your metabolism elevated while you sleep. Protein consists of amino acids that work to prevent muscle breakdown from occurring through the night while you sleep. The nutrients that you have consumed at your 6 PM dinner have been broken down and absorbed by the time you turn in for the night. Proteins are essential for muscle development and replenishment of broken down muscle fibers during intense workouts. We all know that the more muscle we carry the faster our metabolism works and the more fat and calories we burn.

Aim for lean protein sources prior to bed such as chicken breast, egg whites, lean ground turkey or white fish. You could also do a protein shake which is easy and can assist in the stabilization of your blood sugar levels, as well as prevent overeating and cravings. I provide my personal training clients with a variety of protein options that fit their needs and help them reach their fitness goals.

There are a variety of sources when it comes to protein powder such as whey, whey-isolate and casein protein. For more information on good eating habits, proper exercise technique, losing body fat,  or if you’re just frustrated with your current level of fitness and have been thinking about hiring a personal trainer, contact us.