Late Night Snacking: Can it Influence Our Weight?
We have all had those nights where it seems that our hunger wants to kick in at 9pm when we’ve already had dinner, cleaned our teeth and are ready for bed. But can this tendency to snack late at night affect our weight and health? Well, studies have consistently shown that people who consume a large amount of their calories late at night are more likely to put on weight, be obese and have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome1. This may be attributed to the fact that our bodies are usually more sedentary at night and so we don’t have the opportunity to burn off those calories before we go to sleep. While it is important to avoid the high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar foods as a late night snack, it is also important to look at your day as a whole to find out why you might be craving extra food late at night.
Here are a few things to think about that could be related to your late night snacking habits:
1. Are you eating a decent breakfast, lunch and dinner with enough protein to keep you full?
2. Is your kitchen stocked full of junk food items that are likely to temp you at night?
3. Do you find that you eat more at night when you feel stressed, tired or lonely?
Furthermore, here are a few tips that you might find helpful:
· If you find that you are hungry after dinner, eat small amounts of fruit with yogurt or some sliced raw veggies. Prepare fruits and veggies in advance so that they are readily available to you when the hunger kicks in.
· Try replacing eating late at night with exercise, reading, studying or writing.
· When you feel the urge to snack, drink a glass of water or go and brush your teeth.
For more tips and strategies for your late night snacking habits you may benefit from a consultation with Lisa. Book one with her today at lisa@ivegotlife.com.au
References:
Bo, S et al. Consuming more of daily caloric intake at dinner predisposes to obesity. A 6-year population-based cohort study. PLOS ONE 2014: 9.
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