During the weight loss process, we're exposed to numerous myths that have been circulating online for years. One of these is the idea of eating your last meal by 6 PM. Many women believe that having dinner before this "magic hour" will help them lose belly fat. But is this true?
Does not eating after 6 PM lead to results? It depends on one factor
The National Center for Nutrition Education clearly states that we should have our last meal no earlier than 2-3 hours before going to bed. So if you go to bed at 9 PM, then that timing would be ideal for you. In other cases, the time should be adjusted to fit your lifestyle. Skipping dinner entirely is not recommended, as it can lead to hunger pangs and discomfort, and often results in binge eating. It's important to remember that your last meal shouldn't be too heavy, as food sitting in your stomach may negatively affect the quality of your sleep
So how does not eating after 6 PM impact weight loss? The main rule of losing weight is maintaining a calorie deficit, meaning you consume fewer calories than your body burns. Therefore, if you've already reached your calorie limit for the day, simply skipping dinner won't necessarily help you lose weight. The belief that not eating after 6 PM aids weight loss is outdated. Instead of starving yourself in the evening, focus on regular exercise and maintaining a small calorie deficit. You can calculate your individual requirements using tools available on the National Health Fund (NFZ) website, where you'll find the latest information on nutritional standards.
What can you make for a quick dinner? Enjoy a delicious meal without feeling heavy
There are many nutritious ideas for dinner, and it's worth exploring them if you want to have a light meal to end your day on a good note. Dr. Michał Wrzosek, on his YouTube channel, demonstrated how to quickly prepare a healthy meal. For busy people, he suggests a salad made with a mix of greens (any variety works), canned corn, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and herbal pepper. You can also add a dressing made from olive oil, honey, mustard, and dill, along with a slice of toast. The portion of the salad should be adjusted to fit your calorie needs.
