What is the Best Hour to Eat Lunch?
Is there a sweet spot for lunchtime? There sure is: A doctor and a nutrition expert explain that when you eat is just as important as what you eat. Lunchtime should be a chance to refuel and refresh—in some countries, people even exit the workplace and return home to join the family around the table for the mid-day meal (in some cases followed by a siesta—most of us can only dream!). Meanwhile, for many Americans, just taking 15 minutes to boil some ramen or grab a sandwich and a short walk can feel like an act of rebellion.
Considering the relentlessness of your work day, meetings with colleagues across different time zones, or running around for the family, finding a good moment to eat lunch may come down more than a matter of hunger. With insights from research and a nutrition experts, this is the answer for the best time to eat lunch.
The best time to eat lunch is influenced by an earlier choice in your day: Determining the best time for lunch begins with understanding the importance of breakfast in your daily routine, says Audra Wilson, MS, RDN, CSOWM, CSCS, a registered dietitian with Northwestern Medicine. Wilson emphasizes that whether you’re trying to trim down or just want to feel more energized throughout the day, breakfast is vital for fending off severe hunger and stabilizing your mood throughout the day. Eating breakfast shortly after you wake helps energize you and promotes healthier eating habits. To effectively bridge the gap to lunch, it’s essential to avoid snacking after you’ve had breakfast.
Excerpted from The Healthy
