Nutrition Diva Why we crave junk food at night (and what to do about it)
Feb 12, 2025
Late-night snack cravings can be rooted in biology rather than willpower. Circadian rhythms and modern habits trigger a stronger appetite in the evening, linked to our evolutionary past. Sleep deprivation exacerbates these cravings, igniting brain reward centers that yearn for junk food. Explore nutrient-rich alternatives and discover how quality sleep and satisfying daytime meals can help mitigate these midnight urges. Plus, learn to align your eating patterns with natural cravings for a healthier balance!
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Nighttime Appetite
- Our appetite follows a circadian rhythm, peaking in the evening.
- We're more likely to store calories as fat when eating at night.
Evolutionary Advantage
- This evening appetite peak might seem counterintuitive, but it made evolutionary sense.
- Early humans were active during the day and ate/rested in the evening, preparing for an overnight fast.
Modern Factors
- Modern factors like artificial light, especially blue light, intensify evening hunger.
- This light delays melatonin production, which signals our body to wind down.