To Sara of Fit by Sara: “Doesn’t it REALLY make a difference if I eat my dinner before bed? If so, what do you recommend I do if I get home late?”
From Fit by Sara: “Yes, it actually does make a difference when you eat your dinner. The two ways it makes a differece is: 1. how you sleep 2. if you’re trying to lose weight. I recommend that you eat your last meal at least 3-4 hours prior to going to bed. The reason why you should eat your last meal 3-4 hours prior to going to bed is because your metabolism slows down, and thus you won’t burn nearly as many calories while you’re sleeping. Also, because your metabolism slows down it’s harder on your digestion which can cause indigestion and bloating, thus making it challenging to have a good night’s sleep. If you typically get home late, I recommend brining a good sized snack with you so you eat a small meal when you get home vs. a whole meal late at night. This simple change can result in weight loss and improved sleep. -Sara Holliday MFT, CPT