by Adam & Debra Hammett
Wait, what? Who came up with that rule? And what time, exactly, do I have to stop eating?
This is one of those generic diet tips that keeps living because it seems so simple, but ultimately confuses people. The idea is this: if you stop eating x hours before you go to bed, you avoid consuming calories (aka “energy”) right before you lie down and do nothing for the next 8-ish hours. This tip does work for some people because it results in a reduction of their daily caloric intake since they eliminate the after-dinner snacks.
For others, it doesn’t help at all because they consume too many calories even before that ambiguous deadline, or they end up consuming dangerously few calories thus stalling fat loss efforts.
With any health tip, always consider your fitness goals:
- If you want to lose weight: it doesn’t matter what time you eat. Your goal is to expend more calories than you consume. (Hint: be more active, eat less)
- If you want to gain muscle: it doesn’t matter what time you eat. Your goal is to expend fewer calories than you consume. (Hint: lift weights, eat more)
- If you want improved bloodwork to get your doctor off your case: it doesn’t matter what time you eat. Your goal is to improve the quality of what you eat. (Hint: be active, eat real food)
Notice, no matter your goal, it doesn’t matter what time you eat. The trick is knowing how much you have eaten already and how those meals fit within your overall goals. If you need help determining what is right for you, email [email protected].
Next month: Why you aren’t losing weight on your “clean eating” diet.
For more on this month’s topic check out our blog at Serious-Results.com/blog.
Adam & Debra Hammett are certified personal trainers and owners of Serious Results, operating at Transform U Fitness in Lewisville. Debra is also a Precision Nutrition Level 2 certified coach. You can reach them at [email protected] or [email protected]
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