Before I start to write a post like this, I like to do a quick Google search to see what information is out there. What will people see when they ask themselves a question like “does it matter when I eat?” In this case there is a lot of contradictory information out there, waiting to confuse people. What’s the truth? Is it really important when we eat?
The Pros of Eating at Regular Times
- Helps to avoid overeating due to hunger – One common reason for overeating, as well as poor food choices, is we get really hungry. When we let ourselves get too hungry we tend to just reach for whatever is convenient. If our blood sugar crashes we tend to reach for the sweets. Eating at regular times helps to keep our blood sugar level and helps us avoid the impulse to reach for the junk.
- May boost your metabolism – There is a theory that when we eat at regular times, our bodies burn through calories faster. When we don’t eat regularly, our bodies can go into starvation mode. What this means is that – unsure of when it will get more fuel – your body will hold onto everything it can, slowing down your metabolism. If we lived in a way that we were never sure where our next meal was coming from, this could do us a lot of good. As most of us, thankfully, have easy access to food and don’t need to worry about hunger, it’s better to not store everything you eat as fat for later use.
- Helps to maintain routines – Our bodies thrive on routine. Getting up, going to bed and eating at the same time every day can do wonders for how we feel.
How to Figure Out a Good Eating Schedule
If you have read many of my blog posts, you may know what I’m about to say. Listen to your body! Your body is smart and it knows what it needs. Pay attention to the signals your body is sending you, it’s hard to go wrong. Some people do well eating a couple larger meals through the day while others need to eat more, but smaller, meals. Do you know what works best for you?
If you’re not sure where to begin, start by eating breakfast at the same time every day. After that, eat when you’re hungry, chew your food thoroughly and don’t eat right before bed. If you’re still having trouble, try getting someone to help you.
