You are when you eat

Getting to the bottom of the new health trends

The new health buzz is not about the food you eat, but at what time. So, what should you believe?

Fad 1: Eat all you can between 4pm and 7pm
Who’s plugging it? Author of The Warrior Diet, Ori Hofmekler, and researchers from the US National Institution on Aging claim that our metabolism was programmed to work faster between 4pm and 7pm. Apparently, it’s thanks to our cave-dwelling ancestors, who feasted at this time after a long hunting/gathering session.
Does it work? Nup. “Your liver function and blood glucose levels can be negatively affected [which leads to] headaches and poor concentration,” says Aloysa Hourigan, senior nutritionist from Nutrition Australia.

Fad 2: Eat less, and often
Who’s plugging it? Loads of nutritionists and health experts, including US weight-loss guru Jorge Cruise, author of The 3-Hour Diet. Basically, they recommend that you eat five small meals throughout the day, every day.
Does it work? Bingo! “Eating little and often [boosts your] metabolic rate,” says Hourigan. Tip: Try divvying up a packet of nuts into small containers to take to work as a snack.

Fad 3: Don’t eat before midday
Who’s plugging it? Marion Nestle, author of What to Eat, and an underground body of health professionals reckon breakfast’s overrated.  Also, current research shows that one in five Australians skip breakfast, often in the hope that this will help them lose weight.
Does it work? No way. “[Brekkie] kickstarts your metabolism and gets your brain working,” says Hourigan. “When you don’t eat enough in the morning, you may find it impossible to stop eating once you do start.” Skipping meals also slows down your metabolism, so when you do eat, your body will go into overdrive storing fat.

Fad 4: Eat one day and then starve the next
Who’s plugging it? US scientists, who found that rats made to fast one day and binge the next not only lose weight, but had improved blood pressure and were at lower risk of diabetes.
Does it work? Hell no. “Your body won’t know if it should burn off kilojoules, or go slow because you aren’t feeding it,” Hourigan says.

Fad 5: No carbs after 5pm
Who’s plugging it? UK diet and fitness expert Joanna Hall, author of Carb Curfew. Hall says replacing carbs (rice, pasta, bread) with protein (fish, lean, chicken, legumes) will burn kJs – and fill you up.
Does it work? Bottom line: carbs are good, but opt for low-GI carbs (wholemeal pasta, Basmati rice) at dinner time. You need carbs in the evening because they replenish your muscles while you sleep. If you miss out, you’ll feel a bit off the next morning, says Hourigan.