If you have asked any fit friend for tips on how to lose weight recently you might have heard them saying that you shouldn't eat any carbohydrates after 7 o'clock. Today we are going to delve into this theory and reveal the simple truths behind this commonly misunderstood gym myth.
Let's face it, there is an overwhelming amount of contradicting information in the fitness industry. Everywhere you turn there are people trying to out-yell each other with their latest tips. More often than not, this leads many regular people to be scared of trying to build a better body.
However, despite the big strides we have made in scientific research over the last two decades, the basic five principles of losing weight remain largely the same.
In a business with so many supplements and workout plans on the market, it is easy to see why people get lost so frequently. Everybody claims to have 'the big secret formula', of course.
Over the last five years it has become a popular belief that eating carbohydrates late at night will cause your body to store more fat. Is this true? Does your body actually know what time it is when you eat your meals?
Certainly not. While this statement does hold some slight truth to it, which we will reveal in a moment, the fact is it is based around a stereotype which most people simply do not fit.
Let's take a look at the actual research in this area.
Recent scientific studies point out that individuals who consume a large intake of carbohydrates which remaining largely inactive will find it much easier to store body fat than people who try to consume their carbohydrates around periods of activity.
So why does this myth exist?
This craze originated from celebrity following magazines which have a core audience eager to discover the 'next big thing' in easy fat loss plans. Regardless o whether they work or not, they have built a solid foundation on providing the latest fad each month. That core audience tends to work between 9-5 in office jobs and not go to the gym afterwards.
They use a generalization to appeal to the majority of their readers. The fact is, however, not everybody fits that stereotype. Your body does not care what time of day it is. If you work a 12 hour shift at your job you cannot be expected to go home and skip a meal because you missed your bus and didn't get in the house until after 9 o' clock...
There is nothing wrong with eating carbs after a certain time of day. There is no scientific research to suggest or prove otherwise. It is up to the individual to determine when their biggest period of inactivity occurs during a day and then structure their carb intake around that accordingly.
What is the solution to guarantee maximum results?
Figure out which point of the day tends to be your busiest period and make sure you fit your biggest intake of carbohydrates around this period. Your body will be able to use the fuel, rather than simply storing it as fat. This can also be applied to those gym members trying to figure out how to build muscle, as it is one of the main factors in muscular hypertrophy.
This myth is very common throughout the world now. Almost everybody who wants to know how to lose weight has encountered somebody giving them instructions on never to eat carbs after a certain time of day. Now you know the facts, you will be able to structure your nutrition far more effectively throughout your day.
Let's face it, there is an overwhelming amount of contradicting information in the fitness industry. Everywhere you turn there are people trying to out-yell each other with their latest tips. More often than not, this leads many regular people to be scared of trying to build a better body.
However, despite the big strides we have made in scientific research over the last two decades, the basic five principles of losing weight remain largely the same.
In a business with so many supplements and workout plans on the market, it is easy to see why people get lost so frequently. Everybody claims to have 'the big secret formula', of course.
Over the last five years it has become a popular belief that eating carbohydrates late at night will cause your body to store more fat. Is this true? Does your body actually know what time it is when you eat your meals?
Certainly not. While this statement does hold some slight truth to it, which we will reveal in a moment, the fact is it is based around a stereotype which most people simply do not fit.
Let's take a look at the actual research in this area.
Recent scientific studies point out that individuals who consume a large intake of carbohydrates which remaining largely inactive will find it much easier to store body fat than people who try to consume their carbohydrates around periods of activity.
So why does this myth exist?
This craze originated from celebrity following magazines which have a core audience eager to discover the 'next big thing' in easy fat loss plans. Regardless o whether they work or not, they have built a solid foundation on providing the latest fad each month. That core audience tends to work between 9-5 in office jobs and not go to the gym afterwards.
They use a generalization to appeal to the majority of their readers. The fact is, however, not everybody fits that stereotype. Your body does not care what time of day it is. If you work a 12 hour shift at your job you cannot be expected to go home and skip a meal because you missed your bus and didn't get in the house until after 9 o' clock...
There is nothing wrong with eating carbs after a certain time of day. There is no scientific research to suggest or prove otherwise. It is up to the individual to determine when their biggest period of inactivity occurs during a day and then structure their carb intake around that accordingly.
What is the solution to guarantee maximum results?
Figure out which point of the day tends to be your busiest period and make sure you fit your biggest intake of carbohydrates around this period. Your body will be able to use the fuel, rather than simply storing it as fat. This can also be applied to those gym members trying to figure out how to build muscle, as it is one of the main factors in muscular hypertrophy.
This myth is very common throughout the world now. Almost everybody who wants to know how to lose weight has encountered somebody giving them instructions on never to eat carbs after a certain time of day. Now you know the facts, you will be able to structure your nutrition far more effectively throughout your day.
About the Author:
About the author: Russ Howe PTI is the UK's premier personal trainer. If you want to know how to build muscle or how to lose weight our easy proven guides will help you get the most from your training.
