My recent discussions in the work place and online have led me to dedicate today's Weight Loss Wednesday to Late Night Eating. I've done it, I'm sure you've done it too. The questions is does late night eating really cause weight gain?
From what I have found and experienced, late night eating in and of itself does not cause weight gain. Typically we eat more when we snack late at night and that would be what would cause the weight gain rather than the actual time itself. Think about the times you've snacked after 9pm... how much do you typically eat during those times? Do you count the calories?
Here are some links to articles online regarding late night eating:
http://www.aolhealth.com/medical-myths/medical-myths-eating-before-bed
http://dietforum.com/late-night-eating.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=56681
On the flip side, if you consistently eat late at night, that could pose a problem. Here is a link to NY Times Well Blog summarizing a study where they simulated late night eating on a regular basis in mice and there was weight gain...
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/late-night-eating-linked-to-weight-gain/
If you do eat late at night from time to time, consider what you're taking in. Of course i do not advocate late night eating, but if you're hungry grab something to eat before you go to bed, you'll sleep better if you're not hungry. And that's a whole 'nother blog! :) Here's to smart, nutritious, delicious eating and your health!
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