Are Circadian Rhythms The Next Diet Trend?

We know that what we eat can affect our health, but what about when we eat?

NPR reports that new evidence surrounding circadian rhythms should change the way we eat. Recent research has shown that to lose weight, scientists recommend eating earlier in the day rather than later.

The goal is to time your meals in conjunction with your circadian rhythms, also known as your internal clock. Since your body doesn't tell time on a perfect 24-hour scale, it has to constantly reset itself according to cues like light levels.

If we eat when it is light out, our bodies know to be active in processing the food. Conversely, if your circadian rhythms detect darkness, your body functions slow and that food that should be translated into energy gets stored as fat instead.

This disconnect may seem minor, but over time it can lead to larger health concerns such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even increase your risk of heart disease.

Tune your diet to your circadian rhythms; try making lunch your main meal and keeping dinner light, and definitely leave off the midnight snacking.