This something we are asked regularly, is it ok to have carbohydrates at night? The short answer is yes.

There can be many benefits from eating carbohydrates in the evening. A lot of us train after work and deplete our muscles of glycogen so a good carb meal here would definitely be of benefit. Your body doesn’t know that it’s now 7pm and to turn off the ability to process these carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates through the release of insulin can actually help you sleep by boosting Tryptophan, an amino acid which aids in the production of Serotonin. Serotonin is said to help you sleep and balance your mood.

Don’t worry, eating carbohydrates at night won’t make you fat as we think our metabolism slows down. Studies show that as you enter REM your calorie expenditure actually increases, so throughout the night your RMR (resting metabolic rate) is equal to your SMR (sleeping metabolic rate).

Eating to your caloric goal is also important for a balanced diet. We want to ensure we are hitting our macros for the day of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. 

So, don’t fret those carbohydrates at night, by ensuring they are a part of a balanced diet and meet your calorie & macro needs for the day your body will do the rest.