We all sometimes get the urge to eat at night. We cruise the kitchen looking for something to satisfy our craving. Or, we go on a late night “feeding frenzy.” And, some of us cannot get to sleep if we feel the slightest bit hungry.
“When you eat at night, you don’t burn it off and you’ll gain weight!” We’ve heard it over and over again, and by now most of us have come to believe it. But, is it true?
The reasoning makes sense. When we eat late in the day, we don’t have time to burn off the calories before going to sleep, so they must be stored. If fact, doctors have warned against high-fat evening meals, telling us the increased blood levels of fat can increase the risk of a heart attack.
Recent studies dispute all of this. They say late-night eating is harmless. It does not lead to weight gain and does not impede any bodily processes. However, we do know the combination of fats with sugar leads to fat storage. That fact is not currently being challenged.
Some examples of good nighttime snacks include:
Cheese and crackers
Toast with peanut butter
Carrot or celery sticks with low-fat dip
Cereal with low or non-fat milk (soy milk is the best choice)
So, if the urge strikes, listen to your body. Eat, but choose wisely. Here’s to your good health!
Tags: gain weight, hungry, night, nighttime snacks