When you’re following a medical weight loss plan, the basic idea is that you must consume fewer calories than you burn through activity and general metabolic processes. And so, any eating plan will revolve around choosing appropriate foods and eating the right portion sizes.
But in addition to that, you might have read that the time of your meals can matter. Some people believe that because your metabolism slows as you’re sleeping, eating a big meal before bed is a bad idea because you won’t be able to burn off the calories. Generally speaking, they’re right. But that doesn’t mean you have to go to bed starving, if you’re feeling famished at the end of the day.
Yes, you can have a snack before bed. The trick is to keep it light. These tips can help.
Choose something warm. A simple cup of warm tea or broth can help your stomach feel full, without ingesting many calories. The warmth can also be soothing and help you to fall asleep.
Focus on protein. A bit of protein before bed can keep your metabolism burning more evenly throughout the night. Try an ounce of cheese or a cup of yogurt.
Fill up with fiber. Fresh fruit or veggies are low in calories, so you don’t have to worry about going over your daily allotment. But since they’re also rich in dietary fiber, they will help you feel full.
Carbs aren’t totally off limits. No, you don’t want to overdo it. But a small amount of carbs before bed can boost tryptophan levels, helps you to fall asleep. Try a piece of toast or a small serving of cereal.
The goal with bedtime snacks is to keep the calorie count low, around 100 calories per snack, and to choose foods that are dense in nutrients. If you have any questions about your medical weight loss plan in general, do call us to schedule a consultation.
