Eating late once in a while is not necessarily a problem.
However, if it becomes a regular habit, it can affect your digestion and sleep, among other things, according to dietitians cited by Real Simple.
Digestion slows down in the evening
The body's metabolism and digestive functions begin to slow down towards the end of the day.
According to dietitian Nadja Abada, this is linked to the body's circadian rhythm, which helps regulate these functions.
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Bloating
As intestinal movement slows down in the evening, the risk of digestive problems may increase.
One of the symptoms that can occur when eating late is bloating.
Acid reflux
Eating close to bedtime can also make acid reflux and heartburn more likely.
This is especially true if you lie down shortly after eating, as stomach acid can more easily move up into the oesophagus.
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Large meals can put a strain on digestion
Large meals late in the evening can be particularly demanding on the stomach and intestines.
In addition to bloating and acid reflux, eating late can be associated with stomach cramps and changes in bowel movements.
You may not be eating enough earlier in the day
One reason for feeling very hungry in the evening may be that the body has not received enough energy and nutrients earlier in the day.
This can happen, for example, if breakfast is skipped and lunch is quick and limited.
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Emotions can make you eat
Physical hunger is not always what makes people eat in the evening.
According to dietitian Marissa Karp, boredom, stress and loneliness can increase the desire to eat.
Habits in front of the television
A regular habit of eating snacks while watching television can also contribute to eating late.
According to Karp, it is therefore important to consider why you feel the urge to eat late at night.
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You may end up making less nutritious choices
If late-night eating is caused by not eating enough earlier in the day or by emotions rather than physical hunger, it may, over time, make it easier to choose less nutritious foods and consume more calories than the body needs.
The timing is not necessarily the main problem
It is a misconception that eating late at night automatically slows down your metabolism.
According to Karp, the issue has more to do with the habits and eating patterns that often accompany late-night eating.
Your sleep may suffer
When you eat very late, your blood sugar gradually rises, and your digestive system has to work.
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A large meal close to bedtime can therefore make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Digestive problems can disrupt your sleep
Heartburn, acid reflux and bloating can become particularly uncomfortable when you are lying down.
This can disrupt sleep and, over time, affect mood, cognitive function and overall physical health.
Try to eat a few hours before bedtime
In general, eating dinner between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. is described as a healthy timeframe.
Another option is to try to finish your meal at least three hours before bedtime, giving your body time to digest the food.
Choose a smaller snack if you are hungry
If you are genuinely hungry before bedtime, the dietitians recommend choosing something light and easy to digest.
A small, filling snack is a better choice than a large meal.
Combine protein and complex carbohydrates
Greek yoghurt with fruit, cheese with wholegrain crackers or peanut butter on wholegrain bread are mentioned as possible options.
Combining protein with complex carbohydrates can help you feel full without feeling too heavy before bedtime.
Avoid certain snacks late at night
Processed snacks, sugary drinks and products made with refined flour, such as cakes, are not recommended late in the evening.
Their high sugar and fat content can affect both digestion and sleep.
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.