Healthy Eating FAQs and Answers

Before I get into this week’s topic, I must first retract a statement that I made last week about Mr. Non-Compliant.

I stand corrected, as he did NOT drink a root beer on his birthday. He chose to drink water with his lunch.

He told me he drank water because he was saving his calories for later consumption of an adult beverage and all those cookies.

He’s learning.

Kudos to him for being mindful of his sugar and calorie intake even on a day of splurging. 

By the way, I found him sneaking cookies out of the freezer. Turns out he still reads these blog posts.

Moving on…

Here are my answers to a few frequently asked questions.

What is the best time to stop eating before bed?

A general guideline is to stop eating about 3 hours before going to bed. This allows your body time to digest food before you lie down, which can help reduce issues like acid reflux, improve sleep quality, and support metabolic health. Whether your last meal of the day is at 6:00pm or 8:00pm or later is not as important as waiting the 3-hour window.

 

What if you had an early dinner and your stomach is growling before bedtime? (This can also disrupt sleep.)

Skip the cookies, chips, ice cream. If you’re truly hungry, have a small snack of:

• Cooked or raw veggies with hummus
• Small apple with a bit of nut butter
• Greek yogurt with berries
• Banana and almond butter
• Herbal tea
• If you do find yourself heading for the cookie jar, limit yourself to one or two cookies—not the entire jar.

The goal is to stop the hunger monster without causing sleep disruption and a big blood sugar spike.

 

Are there some tips to help me avoid spiking my blood sugar? (Frequent spikes in blood sugar can lead to health issues over time such as insulin resistance, weight gain, cardiovascular problems, increased hunger and cravings.)

There are several ways to help avoid spikes in blood sugar. Here are a couple simple ideas to consider. Combining carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats slows down the absorption of sugars, leading to more stable blood sugar levels. For example, instead of eating a piece of white toast with jam alone, add a couple hard boiled or scrambled eggs to your breakfast. Or, have a piece of whole grain toast with some nut butter, maybe adding an egg or two. Another way is to exercise within 30 minutes of a meal. Even a 10–15-minute walk helps stabilize blood sugar. 

Have a question? Shoot me an email and I may use it in a future blog post—if I have an answer!

I challenge you to take at least one action today that moves you closer to your health and fitness goals.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“Diet is an ongoing process of learning and discovering.” –Anonymous