Time of day

Question
Dear Ms. Tessmer,
I was wondering if you could clarify if what I've been told is urban legend or true. I've been told that it there is no effect on the metabolism if you eat late at night before you go to bed because your body digests food exactly the same way whether it is 12 noon or 12 am. Is this true? I work swing shift at work and usually eat at midnight and then go to bed. Am I sabbotaging my metabolism?  Thanks,
Melanie

Answer
Melanie,
No, there is no difference to what time you eat.  Your body does NOT know what time it is.  Some say that the body slows down a bit when you sleep and you are obviously not as active so it is not the best thing to do- eating late at night OR right before you go to bed. BUT what really counts in the end is how many calories you eat in a days time, NOT WHEN you eat.  The things that effect your metabolism more is exerise or NO exercise.  IF you are a very inactive person you MAY have a slower metabolism.  Exercise and staying active can help speed that up.  
But the hours that you work will not sabbotage your metabolism.  You can sabbotage it if you don't watch your diet and you are inactive!
Thanks,
Kim Tessmer,RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

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