When it comes to eating, experts agree that a balanced diet is the best way to go. But while some claim that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, others advocate for smaller meals at shorter intervals. So where does lunch fit into all this? Is it better to eat a bigger lunch and a small dinner or are all meals ultimately equal? Let’s find out.
Chrono-nutrition
The study of when food is eaten – known as chrono-nutrition – is a relatively new field, and represents a shift in how researchers are thinking about the link between food and health. Rather than focusing on calorie intake and nutrients, scientists are investigating how meal timing impacts our weight, appetite, risk of chronic disease and ability to burn or store fat.
The current consensus is that while in today’s busy world many of us skip breakfast and eat more at night, it’s better to do the opposite. Research has shown that eating a large lunch and a light dinner is likely to result in fewer metabolic problems. Indeed, a review of nine clinical trials found that individuals who consumed most of their calories earlier in the day lost more weight than those who did the reverse. In addition, the early eaters had better insulin sensitivity and lower levels of cholesterol and blood sugar.
Late eating and hunger
A further study recruited participants to follow an early eating schedule for six days, with breakfast at 8am, lunch at 12pm and dinner at 4pm. The same group then switched to a late eating schedule, with the meals spaced from 12pm to 8pm.
Despite eating the same foods and maintaining the same levels of physical activity, the participants were significantly hungrier when following the late schedule. Their levels of ghrelin, which increases appetite, spiked over the late eating period, while their levels of leptin, which causes satiety, were suppressed. The group also burned less fat during the later schedule.
Should I eat a big lunch?
It’s clear from the research that eating a big lunch is better for you than eating a big dinner. So next time you’re going out for food in Wembley, it’s a good idea to choose lunchtime and keep your evening meal light. That said, many people feel drowsy after a large lunch, so to mitigate this you can keep away from processed foods and those that are high in sugar and fat when you sit down for your midday meal.
If you really can’t bear the idea of eating your main meal at lunchtime, or you’re going out to eat with friends and searching for the ‘best dinner near me’, choose a restaurant that offers lighter dishes or meals with plenty of protein and healthy sides such as salad and sauteed greens.
Lunch at Studio Five
Whether you are heading out for lunch with colleagues or indulging in a pre-show meal before a trip to the theatre, Studio Five is the perfect place to eat. Our Wembley restaurant serves a variety of low-carbohydrate dishes and sides that will leave you feeling full without making you sleepy. Book a table today and enjoy mouthwatering dishes in a relaxed setting.
