What Does It Mean to Eat a Light Dinner?
Eating a light dinner means making this meal the smallest of the day. By front-loading your food intake with larger meals earlier, you provide your body with ample energy to use throughout the day, leaving you feeling more satisfied and less hungry by dinner time. If you aren’t very hungry, dinner can be a very light snack like fruit or tea.
Why Stop Eating 3 Hours Before Bed?
During the day, you are active and can burn off the calories you consume. As evening approaches, digestion slows down, and lighter foods are easier for your body to process. Anything you don’t burn off within 2-3 hours of eating tends to be stored as fat. Many of us don’t engage in vigorous activities after dinner and tend to relax, making it crucial to be mindful of your evening food intake.
Tips for Eating a Light Dinner:
- Skip the Grains: Focus on proteins, vegetables, and fruits. You can also substitute grains with starchy vegetables like beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash.
- Moderate Protein Portions: If you have a substantial protein intake during lunch, reduce the portion for dinner by half.
- Eat Slowly: Take time to savor, chew, and enjoy your meal. Use dinner as an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, shifting focus from the food to the company.
- Add Nuts and Seeds: Incorporate nuts and seeds to enhance nutrient density without adding too much heaviness.
After Dinner: If you still feel hungry, try drinking some tea to stave off hunger until bedtime. Experiment with different foods and portion sizes to find what works best for you. Everyone’s needs are unique, so listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
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Shanti Pappas, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Functional Medicine Nutritionist at HappyBellyHealth.com, helps busy professionals get rid of digestive discomfort and stubborn weight. Check out our 50+, 5-star reviews: Happy Belly Health on Yelp.
