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Q & A: Will late-night eating make you fat?
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Q: Does eating at night make you gain "bad" weight? Does it matter if it's carbs or protein, or is it the overall consumption of calories at the end of the day? -- John, Ann Arbor, MI
A: There's a body of literature that suggests it doesn't matter when you eat your calories, as long as you're eating what your body needs to maintain or lose weight. So, if you need 1,400 calories to maintain your weight and you eat them spread throughout the day or all at night, you should stay at your weight.
But this doesn't take into account how you will feel, your energy levels, or your ability to concentrate. All of these factors have to do with keeping your body fueled. And if you have more energy, you'll more likely to be active, burn calories and lose weight. Also, because most people do not eat enough during the day, they overeat at night.
Stuffing your face before bed is a bad idea, but if you're looking to drop pounds, eat a high protein snack before bed and limit your carbohydrates. Carbs are used for energy and you don't need energy when you sleep. A few snack ideas:
- Low-fat cottage cheese and some fruit.
- 3 oz of turkey, and a hand full of almonds.
- Yogurt and fruit.
- Peanut butter and a banana.
Questions?
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About The Author
Amanda Carlson – As a registered dietitian, Amanda Carlson has provided educational seminars and individual counseling to a variety of professional and elite sports organizations.
