Today, the average person in the US consumes about 20% more calories than their ancestors did a century ago, according to research. And although people are increasingly aware of their diet, it is not always easy to correctly follow all the rules of healthy eating.
For example, eating apples at the wrong time can cause intestinal problems instead of improving digestion. Fortunately, it’s not rocket science and the basic rules are pretty easy to follow.
HereWere is ready to debunk some myths about healthy eating habits and share some advice on how to choose the right time to eat your favorite foods to get the maximum benefit.
1. Bananas
While bananas may seem like a good way to start your morning, if consumed on an empty stomach, they can actually lower your energy levels.
At first, you’ll likely feel an energy boost thanks to its high sugar content, but after a few hours, you’ll likely feel tired and hungry again. Eating bananas can also pose a threat to people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Coffee
For many people, having a cup of coffee right after waking up seems like the most natural thing to do, but it’s actually pretty pointless. Research has shown that drinking coffee before a meal improves our caffeine tolerance.
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 just wait a bit and enjoy your cup of coffee. But keep in mind that it’s best to stick to the recommended daily intake of caffeine and not drink coffee late at night to avoid insomnia.
3. Rice
As much as we love to eat sushi or Indian food after a long day at work, it might not be the best option. Rice contains a lot of complex carbohydrates that take a long time to digest.
It’s a good thing as it keeps us energized for a long time. But it makes rice high in calories, which can cause weight gain if you eat it at night.
Mealtime is the best time to incorporate rice into your diet. Your metabolism works fast during these 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 carbs can help with that!
4. Sugar
It’s best to stay away from processed sugar if you’re trying to eat a healthy diet, but sometimes it’s impossible not to be tempted. The crucial mistake we make is when we eat sweets as a snack. In this way, your blood sugar levels rise, causing sugar spikes and crashes, leaving you feeling tired and jittery.
If you can’t resist the temptation, enjoy a dessert right after the main meal. That way, your blood sugar levels won’t rise as dramatically.