Winter meal timing could transform your metabolism and health
As winter brings shorter days, adjusting meal times could play a key role in supporting health. Irish sports scientist Cailbhe Doherty is examining how eating habits should shift during darker months to better align with the body’s natural rhythms. His research suggests that when we eat may matter almost as much as what we eat.
The body’s circadian rhythms—natural cycles that regulate sleep, digestion, and metabolism—are closely tied to daylight. When evenings grow darker earlier, metabolism slows down sooner. Studies show that eating dinner at 10pm can cause blood sugar spikes 20% higher than eating at 6pm. It also reduces fat burning by 10%.
Doherty’s findings highlight the benefits of aligning food intake with natural light cycles. Eating earlier in winter supports blood sugar control, energy use, and fat metabolism. Simple changes to meal timing could make a noticeable difference in health and well-being during the darker months.
