Nutritionists point out that it is not only the choice of food for lunch that is crucial, but also the time when we consume it, which could significantly affect the weight loss process.
According to dietitian Lena Baković, the ideal time for lunch is approximately four to five hours after breakfast.
"If someone wakes up at seven and eats a nutritious breakfast at eight, they will probably feel hungry four to five hours later, between 12 and 13 p.m.," Baković explained, according to N1.
She added that a late lunch can make it harder for the body to metabolize food, which can result in skipping dinner or reaching for a snack more often before bed, reports the Daily Mail.
Spanish scientists found that eating a later lunch reduces resting calorie expenditure compared to eating a meal around 13 p.m.
According to research published in the journal Nutrients, people who ate lunch at 16:30 PM had unstable blood sugar levels and slower processing of carbohydrates into energy.
Previous studies also show that prolonged fasting can cause a sharp spike in blood sugar at the next meal, especially if it is rich in carbohydrates., reports Index.hr.
Baković points out to "Real Simple" that eating lunch too early can increase hunger later in the day, leading to poorer food choices.
“Having a late lunch closer to the evening can cause you to skip dinner and increase your cravings for unhealthy snacks before bed,” she warns.
Irregular meals can disrupt the circadian rhythm, which is crucial for the body's balance.
"Just as bedtime is important, so is mealtime," she adds.
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