Have you thought about how late-night food affects you? Does it help you sleep better?
Do you indulge in it because it helps you feel better and forget your troubles?
The truth is late-night food does have its benefits and side effects which depends also on your body type.
This is why your friend can be a late-night snacker and lose weight very slowly while you eat late-night meals and don’t seem to add as much weight.
Getting interested? Let’s show you all you need to know about late-night meals.
Is it healthy to eat a late-night meal?
No, it’s not. Although some people get away with eating late-night meals, that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.
First, it increases the possibility of weight gain and slowly slides into obesity.
Since this is true, the reverse can be helpful for you if you’re quick to lose weight faster than normal, especially as an ectomorph.
This brings us to the three body types, endomorph, ectomorph, and mesomorph.
As an endomorph, you’ll tend to gain weight easily while an ectomorph will struggle to gain weight irrespective of the carbs they consume.
And finally, a mesomorph tends to have a medium body frame, prone to muscle development. Understand your body type and you’ll know best when to stop eating at night.
What are the side effects of late-night food?
Eating late at night has lots of side effects and we already addressed some of them in the context above.
Since the list isn’t exhausted yet, here are more disadvantages of late-night meals:
1. Sleep deprivation
Take it from us, having a habit of eating late at night can lead to a loss of quality sleep.
This can happen due to gastric discomfort, and unbalanced circadian rhythm.
If you also tend to drink a lot of water while eating, that’ll mean more visits to the restroom than you anticipated.
Preferably, avoid eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to give your body enough time to absorb the food and of course improve the quality of your sleep.
2. Weight gain
Remember the circadian rhythm we spoke about earlier?
In case you’re wondering, it refers to your body clock and how it fuels hormonal imbalance when you make unnecessary changes to your eating time.
Take for instance, you have a culture of eating at exactly 7 pm every night and for some reason, you’re finding yourself eating at 9:30 pm or say 10 pm at night.
That’s like sending mixed signals to your body and it’ll need time to adjust to your new timing.
Also, keep in mind that your body does not burn calories as effectively as it would during the daytime and this can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
If you’re not looking to add weight, avoid eating food at night.
3. It affects your mental health
If you’re unable to get the rest your body needs, you’re more likely to wake up grumpy and clumsy.
This is why it’s important to eat when you should at night.
That way your body clock is in sync and in its uninterrupted state, and you’ll find yourself getting the right amount of sleep that improves your mental health.
This is also true for staying glued to your phone till very late at night.
Like eating late-night meals, it’s not a healthy practice and can mess with your mental health over time.
4. Digestion problems
Give your body time to digest the meals you eat at night and you won’t have problems related to acid reflux.
You can do this by taking a walk after eating your evening/night meal or engaging in some sort of physical activity.
Poorly digested food can result in heartburn and other gastric problems and eating late-night meals can trigger these conditions faster.
What happens when you eat late at night and go to sleep
Poor digestion, lack of quality sleep, risk of blood pressure, and more.
These are some of the downsides of eating a late-night meal and going to sleep immediately.
What can you eat at night for dinner?
If you’re ever in doubt as to what to eat at night for dinner, keep this guide handy.
You can also invest in a meal planner that can help you apportion your meals properly.
That said here are some interesting dinner meal ideas:
Lean protein
Grilled chicken breast, turkey, fish (such as salmon or tilapia), or tofu are good choices.
They provide essential amino acids and are easier to digest compared to heavier meats.
Vegetables
Opt for steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers.
These are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Whole grains
Choose complex carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta.
They provide sustained energy and contain fiber, which aids digestion.
Salad
A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing can be a refreshing option.
Avoid heavy dressings and opt for vinaigrettes or olive oil and lemon juice.
Soups
A warm and comforting option, soups made with clear broth, vegetables, and lean proteins can be a great choice.
Avoid creamy or heavy soups, as they may be harder to digest.
Stir-fries
Prepare a colorful stir-fry with a variety of vegetables and a lean protein source like chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
Use minimal oil and opt for low-sodium sauces.
Omelet
If you prefer something lighter, an omelet made with egg whites or whole eggs and filled with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and onions can be a nutritious and filling option.
What foods should you avoid late at night?
If you want to improve the quality of your sleep, avoid eating or drinking these at night, especially in large amounts:
- Spicy foods
- Fruits and foods that are very water-rich
- Alcohol
- Chocolate that contains high levels of caffeine
- Carbonated beverages
- Acidic foods
Can eating late at night cause digestion?
Yes, it can. However, it could also cause indigestion and badly affect your body clock especially if you go to bed right after eating.
This also depends on the type and quantity of the late-night food.
Does eating late cause belly fat?
Yes, it can. If you’re in the habit of eating late you risk developing belly fat over time and we’ll explain more on this in the next paragraph.
How does late-night food cause a big stomach?
Calorie intake
Late at night, people tend to consume high-calorie, unhealthy foods such as snacks, fast food, or sugary treats.
These foods are often dense in calories and can lead to weight gain and an increase in overall body fat if consumed in excess.
Excessive calorie intake can expand the stomach over time, leading to a larger stomach size.
Poor digestion
Our digestive system tends to slow down during the night as our body prepares for rest and sleep.
Eating a heavy meal close to bedtime can disrupt this natural rhythm and cause digestive discomfort.
The food may not be properly digested, leading to bloating and a sense of fullness, which can give the perception of a bigger stomach.
Water retention
Some late-night foods, particularly those high in sodium, can cause water retention in the body.
Sodium attracts and holds onto water, which can lead to temporary bloating and a feeling of abdominal distension.
What time should you stop eating at night to lose weight?
7 pm at night. This is when experts say it’s best to avoid any late-night meals if you plan to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
If you still feel hungry after this time, it’s better to opt for healthy late-night snacks that won’t alter your sleep routine.
More related questions
What food is best eaten at night?
Popcorn, nut butter and toast, turkey, and fatty fish.
There’s no one best food for nighttime, so you get to choose from a variety of healthy options.
What time at night should you stop eating?
3 hours before bedtime. This would give your body time to digest the food so you can have a great night’s sleep.
Can eating late at night cause stomach problems?
Yes, it can. The only way around it is to give your body at least 3 hours to digest the food before going back to sleep.
Conclusion
Eating late at night can do a lot to your body, including causing a big stomach that will require you to hit the gym.
If you must eat late at night, we advise choosing light meals like salad, omelet, and soups.
This is because these foods digest faster, usually between 2 hours or less, and can still help you get the nutrition your body needs quickly.
Finally, understanding your body type can better help you manage your cravings for late-night meals, and as a recap, the three body types are mesomorph, endomorph, and ectomorph.
Thanks for reading.
