Many of us have heard it’s bad to eat more calories later in the day. Does this common belief really hold true? Studies indicate it may: An irregular diet can lead to health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. What should you know?
Drawbacks of Skipping Meals
According to scholarly papers published in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, skipping breakfast and missing key nutrients throughout the day can be bad for our health.
When you are on the go all day and find yourself not eating until famished, you are more likely to indulge in foods that are convenient (and high in fat) to curb your hunger. That’s why it is so important to have a regular schedule of healthy meals.
Disrupted Circadian Rhythms
When we skip meals or eat at different times every day, our metabolic processes become disrupted. These include appetite, digestion and the metabolism of fat, cholesterol and sugar. Our circadian rhythms – the body’s internal clock – need regularity. Otherwise, we don’t feel like ourselves and can make poor decisions.
What Can You Do?
Research also shows that regularly eating six small meals a day can result in better cholesterol and insulin levels – even if you consume more calories than a spontaneous eater.
A balanced plate is also essential to good health. Whenever possible, plan meals for the day or week ahead. Meal preparation has become a big trend over the past few years. We recommend cooking in large batches and packing up meals that you can grab-and-go in the morning. If you need direction, think plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains.
At Colony Diner & Restaurant, our cooking staff keeps up on current trends in the food and health industry. In response, we have added more gluten-free and protein-rich items to our expansive menu. Stop by Colony Diner for your choice of healthy meal options!