by Dolores Moore

Created on: August 18, 2008

First off, almost every sensible, thinking adult knows that we eat food to fuel our bodies, to get enough energy from what we take in, so as to function well. Even babies and small children know about that; they have no problem sharing the hunger pangs, loud and clear. But... and this is the big one for the non-infants among us, there is more to food than satisfying hunger or providing fuel. We love the tastes, textures, flavours and satisfaction of eating, not just because of hunger, but for the pleasant experience of the food itself.

All too often, we get the "munchies" late at night. It might be after a few drinks out with friends, or a long journey just completed, a good party, or just because we cannot get to sleep. So, what are the effects, good or bad, of eating late at night?

Think back to that earlier point regarding fuel, energy and function. The body at night time is meant to be resting, not using up large amounts of energy, so food intake should be at a minimum at that time. So the first effect is too many calories for the body's needs, and the next, resulting from that, is weight gain. Unless of course, the late night food is lots of vegetables and fresh fruit. But...

Fruit and vegetables are great foods, yet if these are eaten late at night, I can promise you some "interesting" nightmares, and possibly a sleepless night, due to indigestion. These foods are rich in fiber, and so take some time to work through the system. Lying down in bed is not the best way to help that process. Flatulence too may result, a most unpleasant side effect.

So what about a lighter snack, such as a cheese sandwich? Once again, the fat content of the cheese and maybe butter, is going to start the digestive juices flowing, and yes, now we have the possibility of acid indigestion, not to mention unnecessary calories. Did I say fat?

Most often, we crave something hot, quick and tasty, and oh boy, I mean fast! There are so many fast food outlets open late at night that we are spoiled for choice. Hunger and taste drive us on, the very smell and look of the burgers, pizzas, fries, chicken wings, wraps, etc. etc. make our mouths water. We buy and hurry home to tuck in to a taste sensation.

The effects are the same as with the other foods mentioned earlier, only with a possibility of feeling just awful in the morning. By which I mean, we may feel guilt at having strayed away from our diet plan, we may wake up sluggish, maybe smelling of old garlic and spices, may be constipated or nauseous, and most definitely, NOT bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. It's enough to make you eat bread and water for a day! Which is not such a bad idea; it would give the system time to recuperate.

The effects of eating late at night are many and bad. We upset our biorhythms, we can feel ill, we can suffer disturbed sleep and yes, gain weight. So the message has to be, "Try to avoid eating late at night, or if you must, then be sensible." I have found that a small bowl of unsweetened cereal with semi skimmed milk, or just a little milk with a cracker or plain digestive biscuit, will satisfy hunger and stave off cravings. And for those taste cravings, well, I would succumb on special occasions, but always drink lots of water and keep some antacid handy. Late night eating is best avoided really.

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