Many people who want to lose weight often control their food intake, but they may also feel hungry at night. So, what time should you stop eating to lose weight? Can you have a late-night snack while trying to lose weight?
What Time Should You Stop Eating to Lose Weight?
Generally, it's recommended to stop eating after 9 PM to lose weight. Following the principle of not eating for 3 hours before bedtime, if you go to bed at 12 AM, then you should not eat anything after 9 PM. If you go to bed at 10 PM, then you should not eat anything after 7 PM.
Can You Have a Late-Night Snack While Trying to Lose Weight?
It's best to avoid having a late-night snack while trying to lose weight. If you are feeling hungry at night, you can have a low-calorie late-night snack, such as a glass of milk, honey, soy milk, or a small handful of nuts, or a bowl of boiled vegetables. Tomato soup is also a good choice. However, it's important not to have your late-night snack too late, preferably before 9 PM.
How to Control Late-Night Snacking While Trying to Lose Weight?
If you have a habit of snacking and having late-night snacks, don't try to quit all at once. Start by trying to have a 100-200 calorie snack at night, such as 1-2 slices of toast or a cup of yogurt or plain milk. Then, keep a record of what you eat each day, how much you eat, and why you eat, to increase awareness and control of your diet. It's also best to avoid keeping snacks at home. Lastly, eating less and going to bed early can help control late-night snacking.
Helpful Tip
Sleep a little more at night if you want to lose weight. Research has shown that lack of sleep in adolescents increases the likelihood of future obesity, and insufficient sleep in adults is also associated with weight gain. To control your weight, it's recommended to have 7-8 hours of sleep, which also greatly reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
