Overview
The "No Food After Five" diet is just one of many diets that are based on the idea that eating at night can lead to weight gain. The theory behind these diets is that the food is not able to be immediately converted to energy, as it is during the day, and is instead converted to fat. Although there might be some benefits to not eating after 5 p.m., the main theory behind this diet is not based on any scientific evidence, according to the Aetna InteliHealth website.
Timing of Meals
When you eat is not as important as what and how much you eat. Calories are likely to have the same effect on the body no matter what time of day they are consumed, explains the American Dietetic Association website. Weight gain only occurs when you consume more calories than you burn in a 24-hour period. If you are trying to lose weight, it makes more sense to monitor your overall daily calorie intake rather than to limit your eating to certain times of the day.
Advantages
While eating after 5 p.m. won't cause weight gain if your overall daily calorie intake is less than you burn, there are some advantages to this diet. Some people indulge in high-calorie bedtime snacks, and skipping these snacks could be an easy and effective way to cut calories from your diet. Eating certain foods before going to sleep might also impair your quality of sleep. Spicy or fried foods might trigger heartburn, while caffeinated products might cause problems trying to get to sleep. By not eating at night, you will eliminate the chances of this happening. Not eating after 5 p.m. might also make you hungrier in the morning and more likely to eat breakfast, which gets your metabolism moving early to burn calories.
Considerations
While part of the appeal of this diet is its simplicity, other simple weight-loss tricks might be even more effective. Switching high-calorie beverages for water, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, and using smaller plates and containers to remind you to watch your portions are simple and effective ways to lose weight. Eating in front of the TV might lead to you unintentionally consuming more food than you intend. Eliminating this mindless munching completely might also help you control your overall daily calorie intake and help you lose weight.
Warning
Some people might be drawn to this diet because they mistakenly believe they can eat whatever they want during the day and still lose weight as long as they do not eat after 5 p.m. This not only is not true, but it also might encourage unhealthy eating habits. Eating a well-balanced and healthy diet not only is essential to maintain a proper weight, but also is crucial for proper nutrition as well. You need to eat healthy to ensure you are getting the right amount of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. Do not use this diet as an excuse for unhealthy eating.
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