The nutritionist spoke about the effect of nighttime snacks on weight and health

Melissa Mroz-Planells, a nutritionist and expert at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told Popular Science magazine how late meals can affect metabolism and contribute to weight gain.

According to her, in the evening, the body often requires fast carbohydrates for energy. This can lead to excessive food intake, which is difficult to control.

It is noted that a balanced caloric balance, that is, the ratio of calories consumed and the energy that a person spends, plays a key role in maintaining a normal weight. Mroz-Planells recommends replacing high-calorie snacks such as chips or pizza with healthier alternatives such as sliced apples or yogurt with berries.

"It's best to choose foods rich in protein and fiber," she stressed.

The nutritionist also drew attention to the fact that a late meal can disrupt the circadian rhythm of the body, which regulates our internal biological clock. Research shows that if we eat late at night, our metabolism and digestive system don't work as efficiently as they do during the day. This can lead to fat accumulation and even cause weight problems in the long run.

In addition, Mroz-Planells added, it is important to remember that late meals can affect sleep quality. Large portions of food force the digestive system to work harder, which can disrupt the body's normal relaxation. Poor sleep, in turn, contributes to weight gain, as it increases levels of the hunger hormone (ghrelin) and reduces levels of the satiety hormone (leptin).

"Focus on the hunger signals and balance your intake accordingly. But if you're hungry at two in the morning, just think about reaching for a bowl of nuts rather than a bowl of ice cream," concluded the specialist.

On August 6, pediatrician, nutritionist, and SOLGAR expert Maria Kulikova spoke about the dangers of completely eliminating fats from the diet. According to her, they are one of the key macronutrients along with carbohydrates and proteins. Fats perform many vital functions, such as energy, as they are a concentrated source of energy, providing 9 calories per gram.

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