You’re always on the move, juggling your busy life with your health goals, and trying to get in all of those healthy nutrients as you go. But did you know that when you eat might be just as important as what you eat? Or that your optimal eating window may differ from that of your best friend, partner, or work colleagues?
A recent study has shed light on how your body’s internal clock, or chronotype, affects your response to food. Let’s break it down.
The scoop
Researchers looked at how young adults with different chronotypes (early birds vs. night owls) responded to high-carb meals eaten early in the morning or in the evening. Here’s what they found:
Early birds
If you’re an early riser, your body handles carbs better in the morning than in the evening. When early birds ate a high-carb meal at 8 PM, their blood sugar stayed higher for longer than at 7 AM.
Night owl
Here’s the surprise – night owls showed similar responses whether they ate the high-carb meal early or late. If this is you, eating very early (7 AM) might be just as challenging for your body as eating late.
Why It matters: This study suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to meal timing. Instead, your body’s internal clock plays a big role in processing food.
What this means for you
How to HOP to it
The bottom line: Your body and optimal eating schedule are unique. By understanding and working with your natural rhythms, you can achieve better health and vitality.
