Why eating with the sun is your new best friend
Are you ready to discover something that’s even better than the latest anti-wrinkle cream? It’s free, of course, and you don’t even have to wait in line at the drugstore. I’m talking about… eating during daylight!
Yes, you read that right. Eating during daylight. Maybe you were daydreaming about a romantic dinner in the evening. While there’s nothing wrong with a romantic dinner, and I certainly wouldn’t want to discourage it, it’s still better to eat during daylight!
Why, you ask?
Sunlight affects the sneaky hunger hormones, leptin and ghrelin. Picture leptin as your best friend saying, “Sweetie, you’ve had enough,” and ghrelin as that annoying voice always saying, “Have another cookie, you deserve it!” More sunlight means more leptin and less ghrelin – which actually means you’re less likely to raid the fridge at night.
Does this mean you should always eat outdoors? Not necessarily. But it’s super important to get enough daylight and to consume your meals during daylight as much as possible.
Why enough sunlight?
Did you know that big yellow ball in the sky, also known as the sun, not only gives you a good mood boost but also increases your vitamin D levels? Sunlight is your vitamin D supplier, and vitamin D acts as your Personal Metabolic Trainer.
Vitamin D plays a role in regulating insulin sensitivity and maintaining a healthy weight. Research has shown that an adequate level of vitamin D in the body is linked to better insulin sensitivity and a lower risk of obesity. Studies show that insufficient vitamin D can lead to increased fat storage and decreased energy expenditure.
Who would’ve thought that sunlight not only gives you a nice tan but can also be better for your waistline than the latest diet?
The Great Melatonin Magic
Daylight affects the production of melatonin, that sleep hormone that determines whether you’ll sleep like Sleeping Beauty or a night owl. Daylight helps your body keep melatonin balanced so you can sleep soundly at night and not stumble around like a zombie during the day looking for coffee.
And as you probably know, when you don’t get enough sleep, it seems like your body is begging for sweets and fats rather than a fresh, healthy salad. You’re likely to snack on the wrong things.
So, when you maximize your daylight exposure, your body produces maximum melatonin in the evening, ensuring you sleep beautifully, wake up refreshed, and only crave healthy food! How beautiful is that?
Rhythm in your life (and digestion)
Our body is like a clock. When we eat when it’s light outside, our digestion works better. Evolutionarily, we’re programmed for light. Good digestion means less chance of bloating after a meal. Eating during the day, when the body is naturally active, is more favorable for digestion and nutrient absorption than late at night.
So, let’s say you shouldn’t postpone your dinner until your favorite soap opera starts.
Tips for practice
- Plan your meals with the sun: Try to have your breakfast, lunch, and dinner when it’s light outside. And no, the glow of your television doesn’t count as daylight.
- Exercise outdoors: Combine sunlight with a walk or bike ride. It’s like multitasking, but for your health.
- Winter blues? No problem: If the sun hides in winter, consider light therapy or a vitamin D supplement.
- Listen to your body clock: Try not to eat when you would normally be sleeping. Unless you’re a vampire, but then we need to have a whole different conversation.
So, embrace the power of the sun and enjoy your meal when it’s light. Who knows, maybe this is the secret to fitting back into those old jeans. Cheers to the sun, healthy habits, and fewer late-night cookie adventures!
Want guidance in developing a healthier lifestyle and habits? Request a free consultation! I’m happy to help.