Many people will cut out a high percentage of carbs from their diet when they are trying to lose or maintain weight. But, the truth is that eating carbs at night is better than in the morning for the majority of people, especially for people trying to lose weight.

Carbs at Night For Weight Loss?

Most people have a much easier time eating light during the day and then eating their main meal in the evening. In fact, most people can go throughout their day without craving carbs, but then feel the need to have them at night. Whether this is a learned behavior or an instinctual behavior, it is common, and allowing yourself to enjoy carbs at night instead of during the day can benefit weight loss efforts in a big way.

First, it helps you keep the calorie count down. When you eat light during the day and heavier at night, you can easily stay within your recommended calories for the day and maintain a calorie deficit the healthy way.

Second, it can help you feel full and avoid late night snacking – where the foods with the highest calories normally are. A later meal with carbohydrates helps improve satisfaction, and this makes it easier to avoid snacking before bedtime and go to bed without the common hunger pangs that many people feel when trying to diet. In short, if you are someone who often feels hungry at night, try saving your carbs for the evening.

“The study concluded that eating a carb-heavy meal at dinner could benefit people suffering from severe and morbid obesity because it made people feel fuller.” – Body And Soul

Third, knowing that you are going to enjoy your carbs in the evening can keep you motivated to eat light during the day and stay on track for your weight loss efforts of consistently maintaining a calorie deficit. The meal with carbs will feel like a reward at the end of the day, and all challenges, whether they are big or small, are easier to take on with a reward.

Fourth, eating light during the day can benefit your energy levels and help you burn off more calories. Carbs release serotonin, which causes us to feel tired and unmotivated. If you have a lot to do during the day, and would rather burn calories than take a nap, avoiding carbs until nighttime will help.

Lastly, because carbs help you sleep better, enjoying them at nighttime can promote that relaxed feeling that you need to get into bed and have a good night’s sleep. Sleep is associated with the reduction of cortisol (a hormone that regulates appetite) and reduction of fat storage. Interestingly, research has found that a lack of sleep can interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates, which can promote issues such as insulin resistance.

Do You Work Hard During The Day?

If you are in a physically demanding job or use a lot of brain power during your day, then you may want to eat more of your carbs at night. They help you refuel, recover, and prepare for the next day. Also, if you work out before supper, then eating a meal of carbs can help you to recover even further. In fact, if you work out, you may want to move it to the evening for this reason aloe.