nec41
03-05-2003, 12:02 AM
I have always heard that you should not eat at night because the food gets turned into fat. Is this true because I am already overweight and don't want to get fatter.
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rita
03-05-2003, 02:01 AM
Yes, it is definitely unhealthy to eat at night for several reasons. First of all, if you eat before going to bed your body has to go to work to digest the food and night time should be rest time for you and your body. You may have a hard time falling asleep or getting refreshing sleep. Secondly, if you eat at night, close to your bedtime then the food you eat has no time to be used for fuel and it is indeed stored and becomes fat. Therefore, if you want to avoid gaining more weight you should not eat within 3-4 hours of your bedtime.
CAPiTUH
03-05-2003, 02:11 AM
disagree, about the fat storage at least. while carbs will store as fat, protein will not. all of the bodybuilding information recommends eating a large serving of protein before bed to keep muscles from catabolizing.
rita
03-05-2003, 02:26 AM
I also disagree. ALL unused food, regardless of its source (carb,protein, etc.,) will be stored as fat if not used for fuel. The muscles will not "catabolize" themselves at night by not having a large amount of protein to use. At night almost all internal activity slows down to allow the body to rest. Unless a person is seriously malnutritioned, the body will not need additional protein at night to maintain itself in good form.
[This message has been edited by rita (edited 03-05-2003).]
[This message has been edited by rita (edited 03-05-2003).]
Endorphin Junky
03-05-2003, 05:44 AM
I'd say it depends on how you're training and how your own body works. If you have a high BMR (eg some one with a high muscle mass) your body will enter a catabolic state at some point during the night when it runs out of fuel since even at a slower rate, it'll still be burning more cals than someone with a lower BMR, in which case I think it's important to get some slow digesting protein about an hour before bed. I do and I don't have a problem maintaining a low bf% even when bulking. The most I'll ever get to at the end of a bulk is about 13% bf and I'll usually have about 50g of protein before bed. Infact, I do this while I'm cutting too and don't find it hinders fat loss either. Definately avoid too many carbs late on though.
mooser316
03-05-2003, 07:25 AM
I usually eat grapes or an apple a half hour to an hour before I go to bed. That's alright isn't it?
ugotme
03-05-2003, 08:30 AM
I think in this person's case (since he/she is already overweight) eating before bed is not a good idea. Rita is correct, anything consumed that isn't used will be stored as fat (protein, carbs, fat).
If he/she was a bodybuilder then yes, eating some slow burning carbs and casein protein before bed would be beneficial. Sounds like this person is a regular guy/gal that just wants to get healthy.
If he/she was a bodybuilder then yes, eating some slow burning carbs and casein protein before bed would be beneficial. Sounds like this person is a regular guy/gal that just wants to get healthy.
Naxis
03-05-2003, 11:33 AM
Mooser: no. Fruit is full of fructose - sugar. It will go straight to storage.
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Keep your body lean, your blood clean and your mind sharp. -Rollins
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Keep your body lean, your blood clean and your mind sharp. -Rollins
Rat_in_a_cage
03-05-2003, 12:10 PM
I asked this of a bodybuilder once and he told me if you are hungry, then eat. You shouldn't eat a full course meal and what and how much you eat may depend on what fat you may incur later on.
rita
03-05-2003, 12:17 PM
If we always ate whenever we were hungry there would be quite a few more overweight people and all the diets in the world would do us no good. As it is, there is an epidemic of obesity in this country. We do not all want to become bodybuilders, simply be healthy and look good. I stand by my original opinion that eating at night is not a good idea from the health point of view and isn't that what really counts the most?
[This message has been edited by rita (edited 03-05-2003).]
[This message has been edited by rita (edited 03-05-2003).]
Endorphin Junky
03-05-2003, 12:30 PM
What if you're underweight? From a health point of view, would it not be a good idea to eat to avoid further loss/to gain some weight?
I still say it depends on your goals. For the orignal poster, yes I'd agree they shouldn't eat within the 3-4 hours before sleeping.
I still say it depends on your goals. For the orignal poster, yes I'd agree they shouldn't eat within the 3-4 hours before sleeping.
GiGi22
03-05-2003, 12:57 PM
What if you drink something like chicken broth...is that ok?
shivvyman
03-05-2003, 01:03 PM
Well I have a big protein shake before I go to bed. On my 20 lb. jug of protein it says to take a serving after workouts and before bed, because this is when protein is needed the most. I actually eat quite a bit before I go to bed. I eat a good sized sandwhich at 8:30, a Peanut Butter sandwhich at 9:30. Then a protein shake right before I go to bed around 11:00.
rita
03-05-2003, 01:51 PM
It makes no difference if you were underweight or not. The underweight person could get all his requirements met earlier in the day. Eating before going to bed is not a good idea unless some serious health considerations make it a necessity. For an average, healthy person it is much better to eat earlier and let your body rest and regenerate while asleep. Putting food in the stomach before going to bed forces the body to do work (everything gets invloved, not just the stomach) instead of giving it time off. Come on, don't we all eat more than enough during the day? Must we extend our dining hours to that of an all night diner?
Strive to define
03-05-2003, 01:59 PM
I am mixed on this one. I don't eat before bed because it keeps me up, especially red meat. I agree with the digestion comment.
However, if you are burning more calories than you are taking in per day, it shouldn't really matter what time/when you eat. Sleep doesn't cause the body to function differently as far as food goes, from what I have read.
Are there any scientific studies available?
However, if you are burning more calories than you are taking in per day, it shouldn't really matter what time/when you eat. Sleep doesn't cause the body to function differently as far as food goes, from what I have read.
Are there any scientific studies available?
shivvyman
03-05-2003, 03:12 PM
Some of us eat a little more and it is a necessity to eat during the evening as well. I get up at 8, eat breakfast. Eat lunch at 12. Have a protein shake at 3. Workout. Have a protein bar after workout around 5. Eat dinner at 6:30 or so. Eat ham sandwhich at 8:30, eat peanut butter sandwhich at 9:30, and finish off with a protein shake before bed around 11.
mooser316
03-05-2003, 05:27 PM
Originally posted by Naxis:
Mooser: no. Fruit is full of fructose - sugar. It will go straight to storage.
Okay I gotcha. I can't sleep if my stomach is growling for some reason though. I'm still losing weight as planned so i guess i shouldn't worry about it. Thanks for your reply. :-)
Mooser: no. Fruit is full of fructose - sugar. It will go straight to storage.
Okay I gotcha. I can't sleep if my stomach is growling for some reason though. I'm still losing weight as planned so i guess i shouldn't worry about it. Thanks for your reply. :-)
CAPiTUH
03-05-2003, 05:51 PM
Rita, so you think that a person should spend 12 hours/day without any food in their stomache? i couldn't do it. you should eat if you are hungry. that doesn't mean you crave chocolate cake so eat chocolate cake, it means if your stomache is empty put some food in it. it would be tough just to get your maintencance cals in only 12 hours [unless you weigh 80lbs].
rita
03-05-2003, 06:59 PM
Trust me, I can get all the food I need in me within 12 hours (I could prbably do it within 12 minutes but I don't think that's a good idea.) And yes, 12 hours of no food has never killed anyone. It is a sort of a fast (hence the name breakfast---break the fast) and it is good for your body. If you feel your stomach growling it does not mean that you have to put food in it right away but it does indicate that for some reason you may not have eaten enough during the day. Skipping meals (or eating quickie replacement meals) on a regular basis is not healthy at all. We should be able to sit down and enjoy a decent and relatively unhurried meal (I realize it's a tall order in our country where meals are gulped down on the go, as fast as possible). Maybe that's why Americans consume more food than most other nations and are some of the most obese in the world). You see, when we just eat on the go and do it in a hurry we tend not to feel satisfaction from what we eat and consequently we end up eating more than we need. But that is a another subject.
NancyH
03-05-2003, 07:37 PM
I think John Travolta has it right, he never eats after 7pm! Anything you eat before bed whether it is at 8pm or midnight is stored as fat unless of course you tend to go to the club late at night and work it off, before going to bed. Not only do you store fat you also set yourself up to acid reflu, as you get older it will be worse. Your body needs rest and that includes the digestive tract.
shivvyman
03-05-2003, 08:21 PM
Yea, if John Travolta says its not good, well then I'm going to immediately stop eating after seven. Afterall, we know that Travolta puts the F in fit! Haha
NancyH
03-05-2003, 08:28 PM
Actually if you have seen Travolta lately he seems to be getting a little pudgy around the middle, like maybe he doesn't practice what he preaches anymore or doesn't work out like a horse either.
rita
03-05-2003, 09:18 PM
John Travolta's evening habits notwithstanding, I still believe that you should avoid eating within 3-4 hours of going to sleep. If you go to sleep at 10, then yes, 7:00 is about the cut off. Of course, it's not going to do you great physical harm if you do indulge a bit once in a while, as long as it's not a habit.
ugotme
03-05-2003, 09:54 PM
Just as a note to everyone - Forgo not eating before sleep if you're trying to gain muscle. A good slow burning protein (and carbs) are preferred before bedtime to provide a steady stream of aminos and prevent your body from going catabolic.
For the regular Joe/Jane, especially those with weight problems, listen to what Rita says.
For the regular Joe/Jane, especially those with weight problems, listen to what Rita says.
Endorphin Junky
03-06-2003, 05:43 AM
That's what I said, it's dependant on your personal goals, but according to the "rita bible", thou shalt not eat before going to bed :)
rita
03-06-2003, 10:49 AM
I certainly did not mean to make not eating before bed a commandment. It is just an idea that has much merit for any person who wishes to avoid weight (fat) gain and wants to get the benefits that nighttime sleep brings. Certainly, not everyone's goals are the same so each person will decide whether they wish to apply this idea or not.
[This message has been edited by rita (edited 03-06-2003).]
[This message has been edited by rita (edited 03-06-2003).]
Endorphin Junky
03-06-2003, 11:05 AM
I know what you meant. I was only joking :P Like I said, I agree that if your aim to to lose weight or you're an average person who wants to avoid gaining fat, eating in the 3-4 hours before sleeping probably isn't a good idea.
CanadianConvict
03-06-2003, 06:54 PM
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to go 10 or more hours without eating. If you eat every 2 - 4 hours during the day to prevent catabolism, what logic could convince you to fast every night for 10 - 12 hours. Protein will help to prevent catabolism and, during the all important Growth Hormone releasing sleep, promote anabolism. l'd recommend either drinking a protein shake, taking some amino's, eating 3 - 4 egg whites or having a cup of cottage cheese just before bed. I guess if you want to lose muscle then you could forgo eating for more than 10 hours. Eating a small 75-200cal meal before bed will not make you fat, but will help keep the muscle you have.
Eating before sleeping may also make you sleep better. Try eating snacks high in calcium and protein before sleeping; small amounts of cheese and nuts contain Tryptophan, an amino acid which promotes sleep.
A glass of milk, warm or other wise, will help also.
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~If your not going to give 110% at the gym then why bother going at all~
Eating before sleeping may also make you sleep better. Try eating snacks high in calcium and protein before sleeping; small amounts of cheese and nuts contain Tryptophan, an amino acid which promotes sleep.
A glass of milk, warm or other wise, will help also.
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~If your not going to give 110% at the gym then why bother going at all~
Toxik
03-06-2003, 11:20 PM
Rita, some of the things you mentioned in your posts were so incorrect that they're funny. You sound more like a sociologist than a nutritionist. :) Not a bad thing though. Plus, you gradually seemed to change opinion a little as the thread progressed.
I eat my guts out before I go to bed, I have 6.5% bodyfat. Usually I have a weightgainer 2 hrs before bed and then straight tuna immediately before bed. If your stomach is growling, FEED IT.
Ever heard of the phrase "Eat smart, not less"
Peace
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~J Siv~
I eat my guts out before I go to bed, I have 6.5% bodyfat. Usually I have a weightgainer 2 hrs before bed and then straight tuna immediately before bed. If your stomach is growling, FEED IT.
Ever heard of the phrase "Eat smart, not less"
Peace
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~J Siv~
NancyH
03-06-2003, 11:56 PM
I can't agree there about that" Eat Smart, not less" actually if you do eat smart you do eat less! I know from experience that eating before retiring sets your body up for other things not just extra weight. When I was alot younger I ate right before bed, never gained weight or noticable changes anyway. As I got older that same routine started to play tricks on me, a pound here and there, lots of indigestion and so I had to change it a little to suit my ever changing body chemistry. When you're young you can get away with it, but as you get older(we all do)what had no effect on you before suddenly plays havoc on ya. It's not a black and white area but a grey one, not a right or wrong just a healthy one!
shivvyman
03-07-2003, 12:13 AM
I've come to the conclusion we have two types of people responding. We have group (A), who are trying to weight and keeping a nice toned look. And we have group (B), myself included, who are lifting heavy weights and trying to build muscle. Eating is a necessity for us, but maybe not for you.
Strive to define
03-07-2003, 01:52 AM
If you are starving before bed, have a snack. If you are eating healthy and doing enough to burn calories, you are not going to get fat just because you had a little something before catching some zzzzzz.
rita
03-07-2003, 10:46 AM
I have not changed my opinion. My original response was to a poster concerned with gaining weight and I strongly believe that for MOST people, NOT bodybuilders, eating before bed is unhealthy for the reasons I mentioned above. Yes, a little (and I mean "little") snack like a few nuts or 1/2 cup of low or non-fat yougurt or milk may be OK before retiring, IF you are really hungry. But human body does operate in cycles and it definitely has a waking cycle (when we eat, among other things) and a sleep cycle (when the body needs to rest from ALL daily activities). It is necessary for health. As the poster before said, you may be able to get away with eating heavy before sleep when you are young and very physically active during the day. But if you are not either one of those, the nighttime eating can contribute to obesity, poor sleep, indigestion (including acid reflux). Bodybuilders concern themselves with building muscle, SOMETIMES to the exclusion of other health considerations (hence the use of steroids or questionable supplements).
[This message has been edited by rita (edited 03-07-2003).]
[This message has been edited by rita (edited 03-07-2003).]
sillygirl
03-17-2003, 03:16 AM
Actually, I always eat at night before bed and haven't noticed any weight/bodyfat gains. I'm not a huge weightlifter, I am quite tiny in size but in very good shape. I'd notice the extra gain.
I have to eat at night before bed, because I do cardio in the mornings before breakfast. If I skip eating before bed, not only do I not sleep well, but I wake up feeling extremely light headed and queasy. Have you ever tried to sleep while you're stomach is growling? It's impossible!!
You should eat when you're hungry, as others have mentioned. If your stomach feels empty, put something in it! THAT will not make you overweight, as long as what you're eating is healthy and in moderation. You should eat every 2-3 hours, and every meal should be balanced with proteins and carbs.
If you don't listen to your body when you're truely hungry, you'll only screw up your metabolism in the long run. So many people subconciously yo-yo diet- maybe they'll eat too much in one sitting one day, and then ignore hunger pains and go into mini-starvation. This mini-starvation only causes the body to cling onto extra body fat. NOT GOOD. So yeah. Eat when you're hungry!
I also found once I started carefully planning my 5-6 small meals a day [using fitday.com], I'm not only never hungry, but I have tons more energy and I'm losing fat.
People in this country are overweight because they eat out of emotion, they eat when they're not hungry, and they eat whatever is handy. Which is usually fast food. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif
I think eating before bed is beneficial to some. I always have a big bowl of 5 scrambled egg whites ontop of 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, topped with a bit of diced tomato and a few shakes of Fat Free Italian dressing. But sometimes I'll have a low sugar/carb protein bar. :D
I have to eat at night before bed, because I do cardio in the mornings before breakfast. If I skip eating before bed, not only do I not sleep well, but I wake up feeling extremely light headed and queasy. Have you ever tried to sleep while you're stomach is growling? It's impossible!!
You should eat when you're hungry, as others have mentioned. If your stomach feels empty, put something in it! THAT will not make you overweight, as long as what you're eating is healthy and in moderation. You should eat every 2-3 hours, and every meal should be balanced with proteins and carbs.
If you don't listen to your body when you're truely hungry, you'll only screw up your metabolism in the long run. So many people subconciously yo-yo diet- maybe they'll eat too much in one sitting one day, and then ignore hunger pains and go into mini-starvation. This mini-starvation only causes the body to cling onto extra body fat. NOT GOOD. So yeah. Eat when you're hungry!
I also found once I started carefully planning my 5-6 small meals a day [using fitday.com], I'm not only never hungry, but I have tons more energy and I'm losing fat.
People in this country are overweight because they eat out of emotion, they eat when they're not hungry, and they eat whatever is handy. Which is usually fast food. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif
I think eating before bed is beneficial to some. I always have a big bowl of 5 scrambled egg whites ontop of 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, topped with a bit of diced tomato and a few shakes of Fat Free Italian dressing. But sometimes I'll have a low sugar/carb protein bar. :D
mjmaciver
03-19-2003, 03:38 PM
All of these are pretty much right unless u are weight training.
When weight training, you should eat a very high protein meal before bed few or no carbs or fat if possible. When you sleep is when you build muscle. so your body needs that extra boost of protein that won't bhe used up as calories during the day
When weight training, you should eat a very high protein meal before bed few or no carbs or fat if possible. When you sleep is when you build muscle. so your body needs that extra boost of protein that won't bhe used up as calories during the day
NancyH
03-20-2003, 12:46 AM
So what it boils down to is if it feels right do it! I seldom eat after 7pm, retire about 11pm, get up at 6am go to the gymn and workout for an hour then I eat a protein shake and scrambled egg whites. Sometimes the routine changes on the menu and it just feels good for me and I work out better on an empty stomach than if I wait 2hrs after a meal. Everyone is different and there is no right or wrong. Every so called nitritional expert has usually fallen by the way side eventually so I don't take any of it as gospel.
mjmaciver
03-21-2003, 12:34 AM
Originally posted by GiGi22:
What if you drink something like chicken broth...is that ok?
Yep, actually they recommend that before you eat any meal you have a small cup of Broth. It helps to open up the digestive track so that more nutrients can be absorbed and it makes the acid in your stomach a littl stronger so that you can digest more protein without it going to waste
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Why push to failure, when you could press to success
What if you drink something like chicken broth...is that ok?
Yep, actually they recommend that before you eat any meal you have a small cup of Broth. It helps to open up the digestive track so that more nutrients can be absorbed and it makes the acid in your stomach a littl stronger so that you can digest more protein without it going to waste
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Why push to failure, when you could press to success