Remember just a few centuries ago when electricity was not widely used and most folks hit the sack by 7pm? Naturally, they ate their last meals in the afternoon, not at night. This may be the first time in human history that the majority of people customarily eat meals after sundown.

My theory is--since humans have long had the sun rule their daily schedules, the body has adapted to consuming food EARLIER, and by eating later, we are causing damage (weight gain, acid reflux, and I've heard, even death if eating too late)

My digestive track works better and I lose weight faster when I eat all my meals before 5pm.

What think ye?

-WRITE GIRL

I do much better when I finish my eating early. I sleep better, as well.

Beth (aka Fuelmanswife)
http://www.marykay.com/bethsimmons

I don't think it has so much to do with the sun, but rather how many hours pass after eating and going to sleep. It generally takes about 4 hours to digest a meal. Blood rushes to you stomach and a lot of your energy goes to digestion. However you have to be awake for that to happen. I think more and more people are eating at night and then going to bed. If someone ate at 9pm and then didn't go to bed until 1am I think it would be the same as eating at 5pm and going to bed by 9pm or 10pm.
Just my take on it.

Jen

Atkins since 11/11/03

140/133/115

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we faint not." Gal. 6:9

The scuttlebutt is to not eat within 3-4 hours of going to bed. I don't know if there's any scientific proof, but I think there's truth to it too. I go to bed hungry sometimes.

Barb
Atkins-3/14/03
174/146/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

Well, I'm on the other side with this one. I lose just fine if I eat before bed. Now, I'm not talking dinner -- I'm talking an ounce or two of protein and some fat, like 5 almonds. My blood sugar stays stable if I do this.

Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine," available where ever books are sold.

www.thelowcarbcook.com

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." Colossians 2:2

I've always believed that you shouldn't eat big meals just before bedtime. It makes sense. But I've read other sources that say that that's just a myth. Some people say they get better results eating before bedtime. So I don't really know.

If you read Homer, the heroes of ancient Greece would go hungry most of the day and then binge with the largest meal of the day at night before falling asleep drunk. There's even a name for this diet: The Hero Diet. (Heroic diet?) Perhaps you can search for links about it. Some of the people on Paleo threads on other forums were trying it and talking about its supposed benefits, whatever they are.

Still, I feel better going to bed on a less full stomach.

**************
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

So, I'm the weird one. We don't eat until 8:00 or later every night. I can assure you I don't stay up until midnight. I probably actually eat dinner twice. Snack (or grazing) around 5:00 and then dinner about 8:00. FWIW, this morning I was .5 from goal.

Judy

180/139/138...almost there!
"How long does getting thin take?"
Winnie the Pooh,Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne

Interesting theory. I can see where you're coming from. It makes the same kind of sense as the paleo diet theories which seem wholly logical. I personally need to leave at least 3 or 4 hours between dinner and bed, But like sharron a small snack before bed actually helps me not be ravenous in the morning. Since I get up about 4 a.m. I like to be able to make it until at least 6:00 for breakfast. Otherwise I end up eating lunch at 10:00 a.m. and dinner at 2:30.
Dr I: That heroic diet sounds like the one my sisters fiancee follows. I used to call it the snake diet. Eat a ton and digest it for days. The go to sleep drunk part fits him to a tee. Do i sound like I don't like him? Didn't like my sister's ex either. LOL



Rob
310/238.5/180
Me, a skeptic? I trust you have proof

One tequila, two tequila,
three tequila, floor

I don't think I could do my final meal by 5pm. My DH gets home after 6pm. Yesterday, we went to the movies in the early evening and had dinner after 10pm. (which is unusual for us to eat that late)

Ilse

380/304.6(WW)/229.5(current)/154
5'7"
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
Walt Disney

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sharron Long:
Now, I'm not talking dinner -- I'm talking an ounce or two of protein and some fat, like 5 almonds.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sharon that's what I do too! After 5pm, I nibble on nuts or peanut butter (shelled/sugar free.) No meals though. And this may sound wild, but I'm losing a pound to a pound and half a night. I think it's water weight--hey, as long as it gets the hell off my body!

Anyone else?

-WRITE GIRL