The Best Times to Eat So You Won't Gain Weight

While weight control is a matter of eating right and exercising, there are certain times of the day to avoid eating meals in order to avoid gaining weight. There are also certain types of foods that are best to avoid at certain times of the day, which is most generally at night.

Eat a Substantial Breakfast

• Never skip breakfast. When you skip breakfast, you are more likely to eat a larger, unhealthier meal later in the day. When your body does not receive the regular intake of calories that it expects, it begins to store what it does get as fat. Eat a substantial breakfast and you'll find that you feel full longer, instead of snacking on unhealthy foods later in the day.

Eat Small Meals Throughout the Day

• Instead of eating three large meals a day, opt for four to six smaller meals. This keeps your metabolism at a steady rate, which helps you to burn calories more effectively. A steady supply of calories also helps you feel less bogged down or burned out during the day.

Avoid Late-Night Snacking

• Late-night snacking is one of the greatest contributors to weight gain. Your body starts to slow down at a certain time in the evening and metabolizes food at a different rate. Late-night foods become stored as fat, which leads to weight gain.

Eating and Workouts

• Exercise is a crucial part of weight control. Time your eating around your workouts so you have energy and do not end up feeling sick. It is best to eat a light snack approximately 30 minutes before you work out. Eat something to refuel your energy within 20 to 30 minutes after your workout. Choose healthy snacks high in carbohydrates, as this helps to replenish the energy in your body.