Benefits of Eating During Daylight Hours
let’s be curious!
Research suggests eating during daylight hours can positively impact your overall wellness and metabolism.
I can’t tell you how frequently I hear someone talking about their slowing metabolism, associated weight gain and wanting something different! I don’t blame them, and I truly believe that weight gain, and a body you are dissatisfied with, doesn’t have to be a reality.
I’ve been listening and reading a lot about our internal timekeeper, known as our circadian rhythm. Our circadian rhythm regulates various physiological processes, such as sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and metabolic activities.
As someone whose had a very steady internal clock my whole life, I never really gave much thought to how the natural rhythms of the body are intricately connected to the cyclical patterns of the day.
The body's responsiveness to light and darkness play a pivotal role in synchronizing these rhythms with the natural progression of the day. Exposure to sunlight during the day helps maintain a robust circadian rhythm, promoting alertness and optimal functioning. Conversely, as the day transitions into night, the body responds by producing melatonin, a hormone that induces sleepiness, aligning with the quieter, restorative phase of the day.
However, have you ever considered how eating during daylight hours can benefit your overall wellness?
Because our bodies follow a natural circadian rhythm, influenced by the light-dark cycle of the day, syncing our eating patterns with this rhythm may positively impact your wellness by:
Optimized Metabolism: The body's metabolism operates on a circadian rhythm, and certain metabolic processes are more efficient at specific times of the day. Eating during daylight hours can help regulate insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar levels promoting overall metabolic health.
Improved Digestion: Eating during daylight hours allows the digestive system to function when it's naturally more active. This can enhance nutrient absorption and support more effective digestion, as the body's digestive enzymes and processes tend to be more robust during the day.
Better Sleep: Consuming meals earlier in the day and avoiding heavy, late-night eating can positively impact sleep quality. A well-regulated circadian rhythm, including eating patterns, helps synchronize the body's internal clock and supports a more restful sleep.
Weight Management: Some studies suggest that aligning eating patterns with the body's natural circadian rhythm may contribute to weight management. Eating during daylight hours and allowing for a longer fasting period overnight may help regulate appetite and control calorie intake.
Hormonal Balance: Circadian rhythms influence the release of hormones such as cortisol, insulin, and melatonin. Eating during daylight hours can help maintain a healthy balance of these hormones, which is crucial for various bodily functions, including energy regulation and sleep.
Increased Alertness and Energy Levels: Consuming meals during daylight hours can provide the body with the necessary energy to stay alert and active. This can contribute to improved cognitive function and overall daytime performance.
So, if you are looking for a way to positively impact your health, shed some undesired weight, without the commitment of tracking macros, consider eating dinner a little earlier and avoiding the late night snacking and see how your body responds.
Be curious my friends!
Hi. I’m Katie.
a Working Against Gravity Certified Nutrition Coach, a 10-year practitioner and leader in clean beauty with the support of Beautycounter, a lifelong athlete and learner. Today my focus is on helping others down their own path of healthier choice and a lifestyle that supports their individual goals.
