Myth: Eating after a certain time will make you gain weight

Truth: Eating in the evening can lead to weight gain, but it's not due to the time on the clock. Large evening meals or late night snacking can add more calories than your body needs in a day, especially if you're mindlessly munching on sugary, salty or high fat treats or drink sweetened beverages. Eating too much at night can also disrupt sleep or give you heartburn. Before you automatically head to the kitchen for a snack when you're relaxing, watching a show or studying, stop to consider if you are truly hungry or, instead, are bored, tired or stressed. 

If you are hungry and want a snack, try to keep it healthy most of the time by opting for a balanced snack that includes some protein. Some examples are frozen berries with Greek yogurt, hummus with raw veggies or fresh fruit with a handful of unsalted nuts. Check out this factsheet from Dietitians of Canada for more tips on choosing nutritious and satisfying snacks.

If you're a late night stress-eater, learn more about how to spot the problem and find support that can help you work towards a healthier pattern of eating.