
When you Eat Matters as Much as What you Eat
Day 19 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge. It is a good idea to think about meal times as well as what you eat.
If there’s anything we’ve learned so far, it’s that what we eat matters when it comes to generating energy. Now that you’ve learned how important high-quality foods are, let’s add another layer of education. Did you know, when you eat matters as much as what you eat?
When you eat impacts the energy level that food creates. Timing for eating is an important part of creating energy so you don’t conk out when you need to stay energized. Let’s take a look at the best way to plan when you eat to maximize your energy.
To fast or not to fast, that is the question

Fasting is on trend. Some studies indicate that fasting for up to thirteen hours can help people lose weight or maintain a healthier weight. Some people have no problem skipping breakfast or cutting out dinner, while others need food first thing or last thing in order to make it through. Depending on your needs and how your body reacts to long periods without food, fasting might be right for you.
Consider when you need energy the most

If you tend to exert a lot of energy before noon, you may prefer to eat in the morning to ensure you have plenty of energy. If you tend to be tired from long days or work out in the afternoon, you may rely on an evening meal to help restore your energy level before bedtime. Your schedule should help determine what time of day is best for you to eat.
Consider the digestion process

Foods digest at different rates. Some digest and give off short bursts of energy quickly. Foods like rice, pasta, and sugared foods generate energy quickly, but it doesn’t last long. Other foods like oatmeal and eggs release energy slowly and for longer periods of time. It can be helpful to choose foods that generate energy quickly or sustain energy longer depending on what activity you are participating in.
Did you know? Did you know that some foods can zap energy? Even though you’ve just eaten, what you ate might actually make you sleepy, sluggish, and drain your energy. Be sure to avoid the foods that can cause sleepiness. High salt, fat, and sugar tend to steal your energy. Heavy meals or large portions can also cause lethargy and the desire to rest rather than rev up.
Conclusion

People often think about what they eat as it relates to energy, but it’s also important to think about when to eat it. Choosing the right time to eat high-quality foods is important to generate and maintain the energy levels you need to bust through your busy day.
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.



9 Comments
Lily Leung
Hi Dominique. Good to see you here. I think we met on Instagram. It’s good to be reminded of when to eat as well as what to eat.
Dominique
Hi to you too! I think we did meet there! I hope you are doing well! I am glad that you enjoyed the post.
debra
Dominique . . . I appreciate this information. I have tried intermittent fasting. I have never thought much about what to eat or avoid to keep enery levels up. Thanks for sharing.
Kate Loving Shenk
Intermittent fasting is another way to explain this. Some go as long as 12-16 or more hours without eating, and eat from, for example from 11AM to 3 PM.I feel better when I do this.
Dominique
I would love to try this but I have meds to take all day and I need to have some food in my stomach or I get sick. I could only have 12 hours of fasting and I don’t know if that gives the same benefits…
Rachel Lavern
I’ll have to observe my body. I don’t typically become hungry until after 1 pm but I eat breakfast because always been told it is the most important meal.
Angela Vallejo
Great tools! I think I’m on track — I usually skip breakfast and eat an early lunch. Then in the afternoon, I seem ready to go!
Roy+A+Ackerman,+PhD,+EA
And, one of the worst things you can do- eat within 2 hours of retiring for the evening. A perfect recipe to gain weight.
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