ISLAMABAD: Eating healthy might be a tough thing to do when you have a busy lifestyle but nutritionists tell that meal timing is equally important with the content of the diet. First of all, research shows that the time when food is consumed can have a huge impact on one’s weight, chances of catching diseases, and general physical condition.
Why Meal Timing Is Important
Circadian rhythm is the internal clock of the body which controls various major biological functions such as sleeping, regulation of body temperature, as well as concentration and brain activity during the day. Eating comfortably within natural circadian rhythm will enable metabolism to be at its best and thus promote overall physical health.
What Proper Meal Intervals Bring
The practice of leaving sufficient intervals between meals can help metabolism work better and it can also bring down the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, for instance. Experts advice to ensure that the time from the first to the last meal of the day is limited whereby you would not be eating breakfast at 9 AM and dinner at 10 PM (a 13-hour gap) but rather a 10-11 hour one.
Meal timing is quite different from intermittent fasting which normally entails less frequent eating. Moreover, shorter intervals between meals make it possible for your body’s internal clock to work more regularly throughout the day.
Where Late-Night Eating Leads
At a late hour, food intake slows down the metabolism process because the body is in its least physically active state during the night. Eating at night provokes hormonal reactions that, on one hand, increase hunger and appetite and, on the other hand, make glucose metabolism difficult. The lower activity may cause the blood sugar levels to rise more than usual in the evening and if you are sitting or lying, then it can be a serious health issue.
By eating earlier in the evening, one slows down the rise of blood glucose and furthermore metabolic health is being supported. That is why even if you cannot always escape late meals, putting it into practice that you don’t eat for at least two hours before bedtime is a big step towards health.
Affordable Eating Schedule
Breakfast: Roughly an hour after waking up
Lunch: Close to the middle of the day
Dinner: Eating at least two hours before going to bed
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By conforming to these eating times, individuals may be able to maintain weight, blood sugar levels will be controlled, and overall health will be enhanced.
Note: This article is based on information published in medical journals. Readers should also consult their physician in this regard.
