We have been told time and time again that the most effective way to lose weight is to stop eating after sunset. There are many theories supporting the statement the most common ones being ‘You burn up the food you eat earlier in the day, while late-night calories sit in your system and turn into fat.” But unfortunately there is no scientific study that has actually proved this theory right.
There is no standard time that everyone should stop eating. People get up at different times, go to sleep at different times, and eat at different times. Then how does this post 7 pm rule work with everyone trying to lose weight.
Weight loss is not only about when you eat but what you eat and how much you eat. Your body is burning calories round the clock, even while you sleep. So why the body would act otherwise post sunset. The only reason why you would lose weight is because you are consciously cutting down the calories by not consuming any food post 7 pm.
Another common mistake people make is that after eating their dinner they tend to lie down or just sit in front of the television. This way you are not using the calories consumed instantly. But if you lead an active lifestyle your body will naturally dip into this store the next day tomorrow and won’t let you put on weight. In general it is recommended that you should go for a 15 minute walk especially after your meals to help improve digestion and better metabolism. People also tend to overeat at night. This habit is usually linked to eating poorly during the day. Whether you skipped breakfast (because there wasn’t enough time) or didn't eat enough nutritious, satisfying foods throughout the day( again because you didn’t plan ahead or were too busy ), it's likely that you'll be eating your biggest—and most caloric meal—at night, which is ultimately causing you to pack on the kilos.
A better way to control your post evening binging is to eat 3 proper meals a day with two optional snacks. For most people it is impractical to eat something small every few hours. This can also lead to miscalculation of portion sizes in the long run and plus it makes you constantly think about food. How can you possible lose weight when ‘what to eat’ is always on your mind.
Eating a balanced diet besides providing the right nutrition to your body also keeps your hunger in control. Eating right automatically helps detox your body by providing the right amount of antioxidants and other essential nutrition. You also need to add some amount of physical activity to your daily routine for better absorption of nutrition, improved metabolism and better health.
Realistically weight loss is the by product of eating right and exercising. So forget these extreme routines to lose weight. Keep it simple by eating well.