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Will Eating Carbs at Night Make Me Gain Weight?

Will Eating Carbs at Night Make Me Gain Weight? These Photos Have the Answer

Have you been avoiding carbs at dinner to help you lose weight? This comparison photo from Amanda Meixner shows that, whether you eat a sweet potato at noon or 7 p.m., it stills offer the exact same calories (and the same amount of carbs, for that matter). Amanda reminds us that what you actually need in order to lose weight is a calorie deficit.

She says that at the end of the day, if you're hitting your calorie goals primarily from quality nutritious food (and some fun foods, too), that's what matters most! This is amazing news if you're obsessed with carbs!

Eating carbs at night may even offer a few benefits. Amanda says that it increases serotonin levels, which helps you have a restful night of sleep. Eating carbs also reduces cortisol levels, which can make you feel less stressed and more relaxed.

Amanda also notes that in a 2011 study, the group that ate carbs at dinner had greater weight loss and body fat reductions. Carbs can also offer fuel for early morning workouts (hence why runners like to have pasta the night before a marathon).

This isn't to say that you absolutely must eat carbs at night! Experiment with a couple weeks of eating carbs at night and a couple weeks without, and see what works for you and your goals. As long as you're hitting your calories and macros, Amanda says "you're on the right path."

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