Eating Before Bedtime

Import · January 8, 2002, 6:05am

I am currently eating 1 meal every 3 hours, six meals a day. I wake up at 3:00pm, eat at 4:00pm, 7:00pm, 10:00pm, 1:00am, 4:00am, 7:00am, and go to sleep at 8:00am. My problem is that I am eating my last meal 1 hour before bedtime. I need to go to sleep at 8:00am in order to get 7 hours sleep(I know I need more). My final meal is 1 cup of oatmeal, with skim milk, 5 egg whites and 1 egg yolk. I kept it lite because of how late I eat it. My reading suggests that you should avoid eating 4 hours before bedtime in order not to bog your metabolism overnight. What should I do? It seems impossible to have an eating schedule that lasts for 18 hours a day any other way.

Import · January 8, 2002, 9:13am

I don’t agree with whatever source you consulted. As long as you make the right choices right before bed, you can eat right before hitting the sack. I would NOT make this a meal with more than 5-6 carbs. In other words, stick with protein and fat. Carbs right before bed can easily be stored as fat. Also, the idea of going four hours without food before bed, and then another 7-8 while you’re asleep is absolutely absurd. If you’re already in a catabolic state when you fall asleep, just imagine where you’ll be several hours later. As far as the rest of your plan is concerned, you could try to squeeze in another meal by reducing portion sizes and eating every 2-2.5 hours instead.

Import · January 8, 2002, 12:37pm

I agree with Erik, do not eat carbs before you go to sleep, but DO eat protein. This is what I do and I don’t have any problems with it.

Import · January 9, 2002, 8:41pm

I tell my students that they can eat carbs before bed, but it should be relatively low GI. There is no magic number like 5-6. In fact there are studies showing that eating before bed helps preserve muscle mass, and fasting enhances fat loss.

I think your pre bed meal is fine. There are numerous other choices as well. Good luck.

Import · January 10, 2002, 7:33am

JB recommends eating a fat/protein meal before bedtime.

Import · January 10, 2002, 10:30am

i think that your final meal is perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing as long as your consistent, I am sure you will see great results. 1hr before is okay before bed. You will keep your body in an anabolic state. Some people even get up in the middle of their sleep & drink 1 scoop of protein. Only do that if you wake up, I wouldn’t set any an alarm clock, because you would be better off getting your rest.