Reasons why You Should Eat Dinner Before 7pm

Eating dinner before 7pm have an amazing health effect. According to Louis J. Arnone, director of the comprehensive weight control program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, eating late at night is the equivalent of eating an extra meal. It also elevates triglyceride levels, which are associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and heart disease. More reasons to stop eating after 7pm: If you eat late at night, your body stores the calories instead of burning them off. Weight gain, here we come! On the positive side, when you finish eating dinner before 7pm (assuming you go to bed before 11pm), you give your body time to digest the food you’ve eaten. That in turn means your stomach is not trying to work while you’re sleeping. That means less chance of acid reflux. And of course you’ll sleep better, which leads to better overall health. Don’t believe that eating after 7pm will make you fat? Just ask Dr. Bob Greene, who works with Oprah. Every time he’s helped her take off the weight, one of the key components is closing up the kitchen at 7pm sharp. Getting Started: Even though this is a simple daily change, it’s not easy to do at first – especially if you have an evening snack habit! The best way to approach this change is to keep in mind that it’s just a habit – your body doesn’t need any of those calories. Get the process started by making sure to eat a well-balanced dinner by 7pm. If you still have cravings later in the evening, you can have a snack – just substitute your regular evening snack with healthy alternatives. For example, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries are high in fiber, rich in anti-oxidants, and are quickly digested. Carrot sticks and hummus are also a great substitution. Finally, make sure not to stay up too late, or the cravings will kick in no matter what you eat! Directions: Finish eating by 7pm every evening. Recommended Frequency: Every evening. Exceptions include late night romantic dinners. Expected Benefits Better digestion Balances blood sugar Weight loss Better sleep Less chance of acid reflux Simple Daily Change