do you eat before bed?

kenikedw · 12-01-2007, 07:43 PM

I read a couple articles and I'm a bit confused on that...
so do you or not eat before bed if you're trying to burn fat?
My mom being a nurse has always taught me not to eat at least 2 hrs before bed. I'm just trying to burn fat.

tinman15 · 12-01-2007, 08:21 PM

Yes, eat something low in carbs though. You want to keep your metabolism going as much as you can. The longer you go without eating the sooner you stop metabolizing and start storing fat.

NotTooLate · 12-01-2007, 11:53 PM

I eat yogurt before bed almost every night.

lysbys · 12-02-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenikedw

I read a couple articles and I'm a bit confused on that...
so do you or not eat before bed if you're trying to burn fat?
My mom being a nurse has always taught me not to eat at least 2 hrs before bed. I'm just trying to burn fat.

it really doesnt make a diffrence unless your eating like a chocolate cake or something.... studies have shown that a bowl of icecream before bed actually has some healthy benefits so just watch what you are eating... dont eat lots of carbs such as ravioli or something that will give you energy so you cant sleep and dont eat an extreemly fatning meal...

imperfectly_lou · 12-02-2007, 11:01 AM

At the end of the day, fat loss comes down to calories in vs calories out. So provided you are in a calorie deficit, it doesn't matter what time of the day those calories are consumed.

Mrs_Muscles · 12-02-2007, 12:07 PM

If I'm real hungry I might have a small snack. I try to keep it healthy, but that doesn't always work out

I'm a sucker for popcorn. I do make it air popped. So I guess that isn't as bad as it could be.
But like lou said, it ultimately comes down to cals in vs. cals out. And of course keeping your metabolism humming along by spreading those calories out over small meals throughout the day.

FameGirl · 12-02-2007, 04:10 PM

I eat either protein (casein) pudding, or have some PB before bed. Always fits into my macros.

freekgirl · 12-03-2007, 12:48 PM

If I'm hungry, I eat! Doesn't matter what time of the day it is...

Before bed though, I do try to keep it low-carb. Usually either:

scrambled eggs
hard bolied eggs
protein shake
ricotta with some whey thrown in
organic nuts

PinkSky · 12-03-2007, 12:56 PM

a tbsp pf peanutbutter and a tbsp of low-fat cottage cheese

otherwise I wake up at 3am hungry

My mom recently told me that some schools of thought believe that the stomach needs to rest which is why it's good to not eat right before bed. But there are so many schools of thought. The BP&CC works for me.

Natdabugg7 · 12-05-2007, 06:43 AM

I eat vitamin shoppe pro-pudding w/ 6 almonds right before bed. I love it!

rhbrand · 12-05-2007, 07:24 AM

It depends on how my calorie count is, when I last ate was, and if I'm hungry.

TurbulentFluid · 12-05-2007, 07:35 AM

Bump, though I'd consider your mother's advice too. Her advice isn't regarding fatloss / fatgain, but digestion and quality of sleep. Digestion is in no means a trivial process for your body to perform, and a demanding digestion task before sleep or, worse, during sleep won't warrant a restful night - nor a sound awakening!

What you want to do, if you want to eat before bed, is take a moderate (small) meal of high - protein, low - carb, low - fiber foods. For some people, a glass of milk or yogurt will do, if you want more, or whole foods, you got some good advice up here... maybe steer clear from canned / processed foods such as tuna and different kinds of high protein salami. They are usually high in sodium and can cause night thirst (irritating, as it wakes you...) and possibly bloating. Also, try to eat at least half an hour before bed.

ATCGal · 12-05-2007, 09:25 AM

I eat ff cottage cheese mixed w/ Syntha 6, or some other slow release protein... every night, right before bed.

sportyhp · 12-05-2007, 10:14 AM

i eat about an hour to two hours before bed....its really either yogurt and nuts, cottage cheese and pb/nuts, or a protein shake w/ some 2% milk

nicoledominique · 12-05-2007, 10:35 AM

The best thing to eat before bed is casein protein and healthy fats - yes, even if you are trying to burn fat and lose weight.

Cottage cheese is a great source of casein, but you can also buy a casein protein powder and just have a shake. As for healthy fats, almonds are good...but you could also get brave a take a shot of flax oil - Just make sure it all fits into your daily caloric intake.

Jala_B · 12-05-2007, 10:38 AM

I usually have a snack before bed. It varies from a true snack hello Reese's Whipps!) to something healthier. Depends on day....

**Emma-Leigh** · 12-05-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imperfectly_lou

At the end of the day, fat loss comes down to calories in vs calories out. So provided you are in a calorie deficit, it doesn't matter what time of the day those calories are consumed.

Big bump!

The last meal of the day for me is usually pretty large - I like dessert --> so I allow for it to be big!

Also, as I train first thing in the morning, having a slightly larger pre-bed meal keeps me 'fed' overnight and this means my pre-workout meal doesn't disappear too quickly - which means I have better energy for my workouts.

chicana_peach · 12-05-2007, 01:20 PM

I usually have a protein shake and a few whole wheat crackers if its too late. I listen to my body and if its truly hungry, i eat something (low in carbs though for last meal for me).

Mrs_Muscles · 12-05-2007, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emma-Leigh

Also, as I train first thing in the morning, having a slightly larger pre-bed meal keeps me 'fed' overnight and this means my pre-workout meal doesn't disappear too quickly - which means I have better energy for my workouts.

I finally learned this. My evening meal is bigger just because of the family factor since it's the only meal we're all together for. I still cram in a little pre-workout meal first thing in the morning, but not much is needed. My post workout meal is bigger.

twinnett · 12-06-2007, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emma-Leigh

Big bump!

The last meal of the day for me is usually pretty large - I like dessert --> so I allow for it to be big!

Also, as I train first thing in the morning, having a slightly larger pre-bed meal keeps me 'fed' overnight and this means my pre-workout meal doesn't disappear too quickly - which means I have better energy for my workouts.

Me too! I love having something to look forward to at night and it fuels my early morning workouts!! I almost always have egg white pancakes (egg whites w/ cottage cheese..maybe some wheat bran) topped w/ almond butter...yum!

JoyP · 12-06-2007, 04:29 AM

1/2c skim milk, 1/2c water warmed... Add a scoop of Lean Desert Choc fudge pudding mmmm, hot chocolate that's good for me!!
I have it about 1/2 an hour before bed, really helps me sleep.

chicana_peach · 12-06-2007, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoyP

1/2c skim milk, 1/2c water warmed... Add a scoop of Lean Desert Choc fudge pudding mmmm, hot chocolate that's good for me!!
I have it about 1/2 an hour before bed, really helps me sleep.

WOW, that sounds tasty and satisfying! Gonna have to try that one

misstransformer · 12-09-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenikedw

I read a couple articles and I'm a bit confused on that...
so do you or not eat before bed if you're trying to burn fat?
My mom being a nurse has always taught me not to eat at least 2 hrs before bed. I'm just trying to burn fat.

Hey Kenikedw, I thought the same thing for years. But yes, I do eat before bedtime, if it has been longer than 2-3 hours, regardless of how late it is. I just stick to low glycemic carbs, with a clean protein. I'm sending you support with your fat loss goals. Happy Eating. lol

T