The timing of your meals matters!

We've been talking a lot about protein intake and how we're all striving to get more in our diet. But it's not just about what you put on your plate—when you eat it can contribute to your overall health and wellness.

If you're looking to optimize your day, you'll want to pay attention. The timing of your meals has a direct impact on your mood and ability to concentrate. So, what time should we be eating?

Why Is Meal Timing Important?

Eating at regular times helps maintain your energy level throughout the day while stabilizing blood sugar levels. For example, breakfast is crucial to prevent your body from running on empty. A balanced morning meal helps regulate blood sugar levels and cortisol. 

If you want to optimize digestion, get better sleep and improve your mental health, eating at specific times of the day can help. According to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, eating too late at night can impact your mood. Researchers observed a 26.2% increase in depressive symptoms and a 16.1% increase in anxiety among participants who ate late. In contrast, those who are only during the day experienced no significant changes in mood.

What Time Should You Eat Your Meals?

If you have a typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job, here's an example of a schedule you can follow to optimize energy and balance blood sugar:

Breakfast: Around 8 a.m., about an hour after waking up. This meal is crucial to reset your energy after a night of fasting.

Lunch: Between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.; This timing is ideal for maintaining energy balance throughout the afternoon.

Snack: Around 3 p.m. to avoid a mid-day hunger pang and overeating in the evening.

Dinner: Ideally between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Eating at least three hours before going to bed helps curb disturbances in digestion during the night.

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