What you need to know about eating before bed
You might be under the impression that you’re fit and healthy simply because you count calories and avoid over-indulging in fatty foods. You should know, however, that this is only half the battle. Instead, it’s about what time you eat. This is something to consider if you’re in the habit of eating before bed. While a quick snack before calling it a night can have positive effects, here’s what you need to know about the risks associated with eating the wrong things before bed.
Acid reflux
Anyone who suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease might be playing with fire if they regularly eat before bed. The ailment – which essentially causes stomach acid to splash back up into the throat – can be aggravated when you lie down. You could, therefore, be exposing yourself to the likes of heartburn and a lump in your throat if you don’t steer clear of certain foods before bed, including those that are spicy and citrusy.
Stimulation
You could inadvertently be stimulating your body if you eat the wrong foods before hitting the hay. It could mean that you either struggle to doze off or that you wake unexpectedly throughout the night. This might not just be a one-time occurrence either, but can actually throw you into a bad sleeping pattern moving forward. So what foods are particularly stimulating? Sugary snacks such as sweets and chocolate are high up on the list.
Weight
Your body is a creature of habit. This means it becomes used to things – and then craves that routine – rather quickly. If you start eating before going to bed, it’s possible that you’ll regularly become hungry near your bedtime and will need to satisfy your appetite before climbing into bed. Over time, this can cause your weight to balloon. The biggest trap you can fall into would be to eat large, heavy meals rather than small, light snacks before bed.
Need advice?
It’s worth remembering that only certain foods will have these negative effects. If you’re looking for more information so that you can steer your nightly eating habits in the right way, be sure to check out the dieticians in our directory.
