Q: Should I Not Eat Past a Certain Time?

I have been told that if you are on a very strict diet you should not eat past 7 o'clock. Some others say 9. Is this true? Also, does that mean no calories at all past the time or no big meal. Cause I generally just have a fruit-juice popsicle or some orange juice. Is that okay or am I breaking my strict diet "no eating" time?

A: Dr. Gourmet Says...

Eating later is difficult because this usually means you are eating extra calories. If you are going to have something light like a fruit-juice popsicle or orange juice this is not likely to add many calories to your day. These are healthier calories than eating cookies or buttered popcorn.

The idea of a strict "no eating" time is not going to help you as much as simply keeping an eye on the amount of calories you eat each day. For a lot of us those extra calories come between meals. If you are going to have the small snack later in the evening like this you might want to eat a little less at dinner so that you are not getting too many extra calories.

Thanks for writing,

Dr. Gourmet