There is a better, or worse, time for eat? Can our body’s metabolism really be compromised depending on when we decide to introduce food into our body? The professor answered these questions Edoardo Mocinimedical surgeon specializing in Food Science. In an article published by Corriere della Serathe specialist provides answers and advice, trying to clarify a topic that has always been much debated, such as weight.
“Every now and then I feel like doing an experiment and launching the ‘flamingo diet’: eating standing on one leg to activate the metabolism. I’m convinced it would have a lot of followers”, is Dr. Mocini’s opening line . Beyond the irony, are there “worse” times to eat? For example, is it true that eating after 6pm makes you gain weight more quickly? The professor is sharp: There is very little truth to this theory. Although chrononutrition – that is, the eating model that aims to provide energy to the body according to our internal biological clock – plays an important role in our metabolism, the general state of health and body weight depend on many other factors.
What matters, according to Mocini, is respect for daily energy balance. “If we eat more calories than we consume, we gain weight. The moment in which we eat does not change this equation. Eating in the evening, however, can have indirect effects. Often the evening meal is the richest because it is when we relax and indulge in some treats, especially after a day of overload. The more tired we are, the more emotionally fragile and vulnerable we are towards the hedonistic aspect of food. In short, we need food pampering more”, he explains.
A very abundant dinner, aimed at excesses, can lead to consequences. They range from digestion and sleep problems to more important disorders. “Eating after 6pm is not automatic gain weight if we keep the energy balance under control.
Here is an idea for a light dinner, perfect if we don’t want to weigh ourselves down too much in the evening. Quinoa, chickpea and vegetable salad”, he says, suggesting a quick and simple recipe.
So yes to evening mealsfollowing the natural instinct of hunger. The important thing is not to weigh ourselves down too much.
The Great Dinner Dilemma: To Eat or Not to Eat After 6 PM?
So, folks! Here we are, diving into the age-old question that has baffled humanity for ages: Is there a scientifically sanctioned curfew for your dinner plate? The illustrious Dr. Edoardo Mocini, a medical surgeon who specializes in Food Science, has something to say about it! And his answer is a delightful twist: “Every now and then I feel like doing an experiment and launching the ‘flamingo diet’: eating standing on one leg to activate the metabolism.” Absolutely brilliant! Because who wouldn’t want to look like an off-balance bird while munching on their evening quinoa salad?
Now, let’s address the rumor that eating after 6 PM is akin to deciding to gut your metabolism with a spoon and a side of regret. According to Dr. Mocini, this is a bit of a stretch. He insists that while our internal biological clock—fancy term alert, ‘chrononutrition’—does play a role, it’s not the be-all and end-all of our body’s weighty woes. If you’re wolfing down a feast like you’re preparing for a competitive eating contest, regardless of the hour, that’s going to tick off the energy balance meter.
Interestingly, Dr. Mocini reminds us that it’s not just about the clock but also about our mental state after a long day. You know, when you finish that challenging work meeting, and the only thing on your mind is an emotional eat-a-thon? Yep, he says that’s when we dive headfirst into the hedonistic side of feasting! Picture this: we’re exhausted, and all we want is to reward ourselves with a fancy dinner – go on, indulge in an extra portion of ‘emotional support pasta’! But let’s not forget that a “really rich” evening meal can lead to more than just regret. Think digestion issues, trouble sleeping, and who knows what else—like suddenly forgetting where you parked your car… in your own driveway!
But fret not! Dr. Mocini reassures us that eating after 6 PM won’t automatically inflate your waistline. The key is to maintain that elusive “daily energy balance.” You know the drill: consume fewer calories than you burn. In summary: if you’re mindful of what you’re putting on your plate, feel free to nibble after the sun goes down!
So what’s a good option if you’re feeling the need to fill your tummy without feeling like you’ve just eaten a lead weight? Dr. Mocini suggests a “Quinoa, chickpea and vegetable salad.” Sounds so wholesome, you might even feel bad for not rolling it in flaxseed and attaching a “feel-good” label right next to it!
In conclusion, if hunger strikes after that magic hour of 6 PM, go ahead and treat yourself! Just don’t go overboard! And remember, while enjoying your evening repast, balance is the name of the game! So stay sharp, eat smart, and maybe consider constructing that “flamingo diet” as a side hustle. Just be prepared for the leg cramps!
Eadfirst into the fridge, often reaching for heavier, indulgent meals to soothe our tired minds.
“Eating in the evening,” he explains, “can have indirect effects. Often, the evening meal is the richest because it’s when we relax and indulge in some treats, especially after a day of overload. The more tired we are, the more emotionally fragile and vulnerable we are towards the hedonistic aspect of food.” So, it seems our choices during these late hours might not be purely hunger-driven but rather a response to fatigue and stress.
So, what’s the bottom line? Professor Mocini emphasizes that eating after 6 PM doesn’t automatically mean weight gain. “It’s all about the daily energy balance,” he reminds us. “If we eat more calories than we consume, we gain weight, regardless of the time of day.” His advice? Enjoy your evening meals while keeping moderation in mind. And speaking of meals, he shares a light option for dinner: “How about a quinoa, chickpea, and vegetable salad? It’s quick, simple, and won’t weigh you down!”
while our body’s internal clock is indeed significant, it’s the choices we make—balancing our energy intake with our expenditure—that ultimately define our health and weight. Dr. Mocini reassures us that it’s perfectly fine to listen to our hunger cues in the evening—just as long as we do so with a mindful and moderate approach.
