Nowadays, the average person in the USA Consumed approximately 20% more calories than its ancestors in the last century, according to research. And while people are becoming more aware of their diet, it’s not always easy to get all the right healthy eating rules.
For example, eating apples at the wrong time can cause intestinal problems instead of improving your digestion. Fortunately, it is not rocket science and the basic rules are very easy to follow.
We are ready to debunk some myths about healthy eating habits and share some tips on choosing the right time to eat your favorite foods to get the most benefit.
Bananas
Although bananas may seem like a good start to the morning, if eaten on an empty stomach, they can actually lower your energy levels. At first, you will probably feel an increase in energy thanks to its high sugar content, but after a few hours, you will probably feel tired and hungry again.
Eating bananas can also pose a threat to people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, causing diarrhea.
If you’re not ready to stop eating bananas for breakfast, mix them with other foods, preferably others that contain healthy fats, like peanut butter.
Coffee
For many people, having a cup of coffee right after waking up seems like the most natural thing to do, but it is actually quite useless. Research has shown that drinking coffee before a meal improves our tolerance to caffeine.
In the first hour after waking up, your body produces cortisol and it is essential not to interrupt this process and our natural biological rhythms.
So, wait a moment and enjoy your cup of coffee. But keep in mind that it is better to stick to the recommended daily intake of caffeine and not drink coffee closer to the night to avoid insomnia.
Rice
As much as we like to eat sushi or Indian food after a long day at work, it may not be the best option. Rice contains many complex carbohydrates that take a long time to digest.
It is a good thing as it keeps us energetic for a long time. But it produces high-calorie rice that can cause weight gain if you eat it at night.
Lunchtime is the best time to incorporate rice into your diet. Your metabolism works fast during those hours and it will be easier for your body to digest this product. Plus, you’ll need an energy boost to have a productive day, and complex carbohydrates can help you with that!
Sugar
It’s best to stay away from processed sugar if you’re trying to follow a healthy diet, but sometimes it’s impossible not to be tempted.
The crucial mistake we make is when we eat candy as a snack. In this way, your blood sugar levels rise, causing sugar spikes and beats, leaving you tired and nervous.
If you can’t resist the temptation, enjoy dessert right after the main meal. That way, your blood sugar levels won’t rise as dramatically.
Milk
Some people have become used to starting the day with a glass of milk since childhood, but this habit doesn’t work well for adults.
Milk is difficult to digest; therefore, drinking in the morning and combining it with other foods can cause heartburn and upset stomach.
The night is the best time to have a glass of warm milk. It helps calm the body and promotes a good night’s sleep.
Meat
Meat is a great source of protein and B vitamins, but it may put an excessive load on the digestive system. So it is best to avoid eating steak just before bed.
Choosing lean meat and eating at least 3 hours before bed is really a good option since it provides satiety and does not contain an excessive amount of calories that can cause weight gain.
You can eat meat throughout the day to get enough protein. But be careful when eating it in the morning, as a heavy meal like this can be very difficult for your body to digest.
Nuts
Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and calories, but having them as a snack is not the best option. In fact, it is healthy to eat something, but if you overeat, it can take a long time to digest, causing trouble falling asleep.
Choose nuts for breakfast or as a healthy snack between meals for all the benefits: it promotes heart health, normalizes cholesterol levels, and contributes to weight loss and the beauty of skin and hair.
High Fat Cheese
Having toast with cheese before bed can be tempting, but it is best to stay away from this product. High-fat cheese can be difficult to digest, which means that it can cause discomfort and disturb sleep when eaten at night near bedtime.
On the other hand, eating cheese for breakfast provides your body with the necessary calcium, which promotes muscle growth and bone health.
Citrus Fruits
Starting your day with a glass of citrus juice may seem healthy, but it is not. Citrus fruits are very acidic and taking them with or immediately after the main meal increases acid formation, which can cause some unpleasant digestive problems, such as heartburn, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, and decreased absorption of nutrients. Just wait for a little after the meal to sample your fruit juice.
Beans
Beans are high in fiber, so eating them at night can cause bloating and decrease sleep quality in some people. It is better to be careful with this product.
Beans are the perfect food for an early lunch or dinner – this way, all the helpful ingredients will be digested, but you’re less likely to feel too bloated and full.
Which of these rules is most difficult for you to follow? Do you have your own methods for following healthy eating habits? Share your experience with us.