Stopping food consumption earlier in the day doesn't boost weight loss, according to a small new study.
Researchers found that regardless of when they ate, participants were able to lose weight and reduce their blood pressure by eating pre-prepared, healthy meals over 12 weeks.
This is contrary to popular myths that night snacking causes weight gain. There is some evidence that eating later may be linked to poorer food choices, however.
Midnight snackers, rejoice — there's new evidence that you don't have to eat early in the day to lose weight.
We’re A small new study suggests meal timing doesn't make a difference for weight loss, as long as you're eating the same total amount of calories.
Researchers looked at 41 overweight adults over the course of 12 weeks. Half the participants ate most of their calories before 1 PM, while the remainder ate a majority of calories after 5 PM. All the participants ate the same healthy, pre-prepared meals throughout the study.
By the end of the study, participants from both groups had lost weight and had lower blood pressure, regardless of when they ate. That suggests eating early didn't have any advantage.
Eating at night may lead to more junk food, though, particularly if there's alcohol involved
Previous research has found that eating at night might be linked to poorer food choices, however. A September study found that eating later was linked to consuming more processed foods, and more calories overall. Those nighttime snacking tendencies were also more likely to include alcohol, and there's good evidence that tipsy people tend to reach for unhealthy snacks and overindulge.
But according to this latest research, there's no reason for late night eating to be inherently unhealthy. And when it comes to weight loss, calories still seem to matter more than when you eat.
Here some ideas for healthy late-snacks.
All are healthy late-night snack options. Due to their high nutritional value, whether that be through protein, vitamins, or probiotics.
Oatmeal. ...
Popcorn. ...
Low-Fat Greek Yogurt and Fruit. ...
A Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. ...
Pumpkin Seeds. ...
Bananas and Peanut Butter. ...
A Handful of Nuts.
Fruits.
Vegetables.
Hummus.
Whole Grain Crackers.
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