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Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D Responds:
Miriam E. Nelson, PhD, of Tufts University, and the best-selling author of the Strong Women book series, responds: No, you're still getting benefits from your workout. And those calories you consume close to bedtime are no more dangerous than calories you consume during other parts of the day. Calories are calories, regardless of when they are eaten. It's all in the energy-balance equation as to whether or not you gain or lose weight, not the time of day you eat. After all, your body still burns calories while you sleep to keep it running.
The bottom line: Calories consumed minus calories burned equal either a net deficit or a credit. Over time, calorie deficits lead to weight loss and calorie credits generate weight gain. But you do face a challenge in your situation. It's difficult to make healthy food choices and control portions when you're tired and starving. The key is to plan ahead. Try eating a substantial snack or a light meal around 4 or 5 P.M. and then have a healthy snack before bed. And although a large meal before bed won't tack on more calories because of the timing, it can cause indigestion that could disturb your rest.
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Miriam E. Nelson
Ph.D
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