Eating Before Bed & Gaining Weight

Snacking before bedtime can be habitual. Hunger may not necessarily trigger eating. Instead, looking for something to eat may be a result of a stressful day or boredom. Watching television, another nighttime habit, is also frequently accompanied by munching on something. Snacking night after night can certainly lead to weight gain. However, weight gain can also result if the same foods are eaten day after day. According to a study performed by the Oregon National Primate Research Center at Oregon Health and Science University, eating late at night does not increase the likelihood of weight gain.

Calorie Counting

• Weight gain is the result of ingesting too many calories. To prevent weight gain, more calories must be burned than are taken in. Calories are burned by being active and exercising. It is a common myth that eating before bedtime makes one more prone to weight gain since it is usually a time of limited activity. However, the body processes food the same way regardless of the time of day. Also, calories taken in while awake are burned during sleep.

Junk Food

• Bedtime snacks often include some type of junk food. Whether it is potato chips, pretzels or popcorn, ice cream or chocolate cake, these snacks are typically high in calories. You might not even realize the amount of junk food you're eating if you eat while engaged in some other activity, like watching television or using the computer. Therefore, overeating is common at night. Although food before bedtime is often junk food, eating the same food during the day will result in the same amount of calorie consumption.

Satisfying Meals

• Having a good meal that leaves you full may help prevent cravings between meals. It is not just the amount of food, but also the type of food that is eaten that helps suppress the appetite. Protein has been found to control hunger well. Chicken and beef provide good sources of protein. Eating fiber-rich foods such as whole grain bread and beans result in feeling full. When one's appetite is satisfied at mealtime, snacking is less likely, during any time of day.

Alter Diet

• If the temptation of junk food is too hard to resist, it may be necessary to eliminate the access to this type of food. Instead of stocking up on junk food, buy healthier snacks that are low in calories. Fruits and vegetables can be munched on instead of chips. Healthy snacks can be eaten after dinner or during the workday. Also, curling up with a good book and a mug filled herbal tea can be just as satisfying as having a mug filled with hot chocolate, marshmallows and whipped cream which contain many more calories.

Change Rituals

• Changing after dinner rituals may be necessary to avoid the temptation to snack. If watching television promotes habitual eating, try exercising while watching television. This will prevent snacking and burn calories at the same time. Going for a walk after dinner is another way to stay out of the kitchen. Limiting eating to only certain rooms in the house such as the kitchen and dining room may deter eating while at the computer or in bed.