So I work 2 full time jobs and most nights i dont get out of work until 6:45-7:00pm. I Ususally eat lunch at about 2 or 3. I try to snack after that but sometimes it just isnt possible. Problem being I want to go to the gym after work and it takes about 20 minutes to get there. So if i get there at 7:15pm I can get in a good work out before they close at 9. After i leave the gym i am usually super hungry, so i end up eating around 9 or 10pm and i know this is not the right choice. Should i go to bed hungry? or any suggestions on what to eat to fuel my hunger. THANKS!!!!
Why is not eating late at night not a good choice?
All of us have to figure out precisely what it is that works for us. So, for example, what works for you might be a snack in the car on your way to the gym and a late dinner. What works for someone else might be setting a nighttime eating "cut off" point at 8. Both are viable approaches that can work, so long as you're sticking to whatever plan you've decided to go with.
You do want to make sure you don't get so over-hungry with the gym that you are super starving, and end up making not-so-great food choices because of that. But if you plan ahead (crockpots, cooking the night before and refrigerating or freezing portions, etc) you should be able to eat pretty soon before you get in the door.
Some people do have digestive issues going to sleep right after eating a big meal. If this is the case for you, you might have to make an effort to work out in the mornings, rather than at night, so you can fit dinner in earlier. If eating late works for YOU, though, don't worry another second about it!
I might suggest eating more regularly, if you can...if I tried to go from 2 to 9 without eating anything, I'd lose my mind! I'd have 3 snacks in that time period, and make my meals smaller to compensate.
As a calorie counter, I know that no matter WHAT time I eat, I'll be ok as long as I stay under my limit for the day. I eat a semi-late dinner (7:30 or 8), and eat a snack after that (dessert around 10), and my losses were never compromised because of it.
CandyKisses, I have always heard the same thing - that one should never eat late at night. I wonder if that is an "old wives tale" that we need to get over.
well i don't know for sure, but i'm on ww and my leader said it does not matter what time you eat, as long as you are giving your body good nutrition you can eat whenever, i actually eat more in the evenings than any other time of day.
You are one energetic lady - two full time jobs and working out at the gym besides - I'm impressed. Even when I was in my 20s I never had the energy to work two jobs.
To keep up the pace you've set for yourself I think you need to provide some fuel to your body every 3 to 4 hours. I guess I'd be eating something about an hour or so before you finish your 6:45-7pm finish-time job. I think I'd eat something like a hard boiled egg or some good, dense whole grain bread. Anything that takes the edge off your hunger and stays with you but doesn't fill you up so you can't do your workout. Maybe a protein drink or Slim Fast. Carry something with you to eat or drink following your workout, again to take the edge off. Then, once you get home you can fix yourself something to eat in a more leisurely fashion. When I don't know what to make for myself for supper, I make 2 scrambled eggs and Jones Canadian bacon (3 slices = 60 calories). I actually make the eggs into an omelet sauteeing some onions and green pepper, dicing the Canadian bacon, and putting a slice of deli American cheese on top of the whole concoction. It's only 300 calories and can be fixed quickly when you are tired and want to get to bed.
My aunt was one of those people, like you, who has lots of energy. She used to be nibbling every couple of hours for sure and stayed thin all of her life. I hope this helps some.
I agree that it doesn't matter what time that you eat...as long as you are making healthy choices and staying in your calorie alottment.
Think about it...what about someone who works third shift? For them, their three meals are most likely in the evening, middle of the night, and in the morning before bed. Their "lunch" might be at 3am.
Everyone has a different schedule, and you can't always eat at 7am, noon, and 6pm for dinner if your work doesn't allow it.
Mainly the reason for the "don't eat at night" rule, is because for some people, that is their mindless snacking time. They might do well all day, but at night sit in front of the tv and mindlessly much on chips before bed...
Late night eating
To Candy Kisses
