Dr. Naheed Ali advises that to support weight loss and overall health, it's beneficial to establish a regular daily schedule.
This includes eating meals at specific times to align with the body's natural cycles.
"Starting your day at 6 a.m. and finishing by 10 p.m. is living according to the body's natural circadian rhythms. Including this approach in the choice of meal times, especially breakfast and dinner, can further increase the body's ability to burn fat," said the doctor.
According to Dr. Ali, the ideal time to have breakfast is within the first hour after waking up.
For someone waking up at 6 a.m., breakfast should be eaten by 7 a.m. Dinner should be consumed 2-3 hours before going to sleep. So, if bedtime is at 10 p.m., dinner should be around 7 p.m. This timing allows the body to digest food properly before metabolism slows down during sleep.
"This schedule supports insulin sensitivity and helps control hunger hormones throughout the day, thereby helping to reduce belly fat," the nutritionist concluded.
It's crucial to remember that everyone's body is different. Before making any significant changes to diet, sleep patterns, or nutrition, consulting with a healthcare professional is advised to ensure safety and effectiveness.