Carbs at night

[RobBroadhurst]

Hey everyone,

My friend and I just started our 12-week program (this is my 4th time, his first). Lately, some of our friends started giving us grief about eating carbs at night (isn't it funny how people in worse shape than you feel qualified to give you nutrition advice? ). Their argument is that an apple, for example, would not digest well at night since there is sugar in the apple and it would just turn to fat. Another guy made it sound like you shouldn't eat pasta at all after 6:00.

I know that a lot of this way of thinking comes from the Atkins Diet, but is there any weight to their arguments? I hadn't researched it in a while and couldn't defend the BFL way of doing things at the time.

Also, are all pastas good for you? Bill Phillips never says one type of pasta is better than another, but I assumed that whole wheat is a better option than regular ol' pasta.

Thoughts?

[Chris]

Yeah, my mother (who's over weight) made a comment this summer about how avocados are "full of cholesterol" as she was eating 2 PIECES OF CAKE!!!! The rest of my family was enjoying avocado on their eggs, and yes, this was breakfast time!

Ok so back to carbs... there's still a lot of debate about carbs before bed. They can inhibit growth hormone (which limits your body's ability to build muscle while you sleep), but that's probably not a huge concern to the majority of BFLers. It's not going to turn to fat, as long as your calories are in check the rest of the day... if you're following BFL closely, then probably it's nothing to worry about.

Whole wheat pasta is better than plain 'ol white pasta. In fact, don't eat white pasta. That WILL turn to fat for the vast majority of people. The only time that would be authorized would be post workout, and even then it would be without any fat (like olive oil or cheese on top).

Bottom line, it's your call if you want to restrict carbs before bed. Many people have reported success doing so. If you decide to go this route, double a carb portion earlier in the day so you have the same net carbs.

[RobBroadhurst]

Originally Posted by Chris

Yeah, my mother (who's over weight) made a comment this summer about how avocados are "full of cholesterol" as she was eating 2 PIECES OF CAKE!!!!

That's hilarious. It's like they're saying, "I CAN lose weight if I felt like it, since I'm so smart and all, but I choose not to."

Great thoughts about the carbs. I try to stay away from heavy carbs at night and reach for options like protein shakes, yogurt with cottage cheese, etc. Any other recommendations for late night carbs? Sometimes I get a late start on my first meal and my sixth meal comes around midnight!

[Chris]

I honestly don't worry about my before bed carbs. I try to eat something slow digesting and have dairy with it. Casein protein, found in cottage cheese and milk is slow digesting and is good while you sleep. Animal protein is good at this time too. My slow carbs could be fruit or wheat bread, sometimes cereal, occasionally though I'm home so late that it's just whatever carbs I'm having for dinner (which could be anything).
My before bed meal is usually about 30 minutes before sleep, sometimes I eat on my way to bed, and other times it's an hour before bed... It just depends on my schedule for that day.

Your list seems good.

[RobBroadhurst]

Originally Posted by Chris

I honestly don't worry about my before bed carbs. I try to eat something slow digesting and have dairy with it. Casein protein, found in cottage cheese and milk is slow digesting and is good while you sleep. Animal protein is good at this time too. My slow carbs could be fruit or wheat bread, sometimes cereal, occasionally though I'm home so late that it's just whatever carbs I'm having for dinner (which could be anything).
My before bed meal is usually about 30 minutes before sleep, sometimes I eat on my way to bed, and other times it's an hour before bed... It just depends on my schedule for that day.

Your list seems good.

I try not to sweat carbs either. BFL has worked for me before, so I can rebut their arguments with my earlier results. These guys are on their fourth glass of wine and first round of crab cakes as they're giving us this advice, keep in mind.

I also love the argument that Free Day "ruins" your progress from the week.

Any other thoughts on carbs at night?

[nvedia]

Well, during my school days I always used to drink milk before sleeping
Not sure if you consider milk as carbs, but we in India used to drink milk direct from cows udder, if you know what i mean not more than half day old
(fresh, yummy, no preservatives added etc )

[statona]

Hey Rob,

Its funny you ask - when I was trying to lose weight... I cut out carbs as my last meal... but you obviously don't have that issue - so I would roll with what you have going on already... yogurt, protein shakes with carbs, etc.