The Dinner Clock and Your Lifespan
- Eating well is, of course, essential—but your eating schedule matters just as much.
- Multiple studies have shown that having dinner late in the evening increases your risk of metabolic issues, weight gain, and even hypertension.
- Giving your body time to digest before bed helps regulate blood sugar, and limits fat storage.
In short: it’s not just what you eat, but when you eat it that helps keep you healthy long term.
Lessons from Longevity in Italy
Researchers turned their attention to the city of L’Aquila in Italy, renowned for its impressive number of nonagenarians and centenarians—people living well into their 90s (and beyond!). What’s their secret?
- Simple, wholesome meals
- Daily physical activity
- And perhaps most intriguing: eating dinner early, around 7:00 pm, with the average at exactly 7:13 pm
This routine stands out as a key factor in the remarkable longevity found in this community. It’s not magic—the rest of their lifestyle matters too, but the evening meal timing really seems to make a difference.
More Than Just the Time on the Clock
Of course, choosing the right dinner hour isn’t a magic wand. Residents of L’Aquila also embrace the Mediterranean diet: lots of legumes, fish, and olive oil, while holding back on fatty meats and sugars. They naturally practice something resembling calorie restriction by eating moderately, and stay physically active on a regular basis.
If you’re eyeing these habits and wondering if you need to completely upend your routine, don’t worry! Just shifting your evening meal a little earlier—and keeping it light—could already have positive effects. Why not use it as an excuse to begin a calm family tradition, away from screens? Your body (and maybe your future self) will thank you.
A Word from the Editors
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