Why you should never eat an apple after six o’clock and the other five ‘good’ foods that could be causing havoc with your health

WHO knew that food has schedules just like we do?

Here is when you should be indulging in your healthy snacks to reap the most out of them...

Bananas

5

For these and other fruit and veg, digestive health specialist Linda Booth believes the rule is “no raw after four”. 

"By the end of the day we have fewer digestive enzymes in our body to break food down so it sits in our stomach fermenting and can cause bloating and pain,” she explains.

When to eat: Noon

Bananas have an alkaline PH and contain potassium, so work as a natural antacid to combat heartburn.

It’s the perfect companion to a quick lunch al desko.

Yoghurt

5

Followers of Ayurvedic medicine – an Indian holistic healing system – have known for centuries that yoghurt should not be eaten at night.

High levels of the protein casein found in it can increase mucus production, making you feel like you’ve got a cold.

When to eat: Morning

Get your yoghurt fix first thing.

Natural fat helps keep you feeling full as it slows digestion.

It also triggers the release of the hormone cholecystokinin, which works as a hunger suppressant, so you’ll be less likely to snack.

Milk

5

The white stuff is a top source of essential protein.

But avoid before a workout as it’s high in fat and slow to digest so can result in cramping and nausea.

Nutritionist Melvin H Williams warns: “A cup of whole milk has 6% of your recommended intake of sodium, causing sensations of thirst or dehydration when exercising.” 

When to drink: Night

Have milk after exercise to repair and rebuild muscles fast.

Also, like nuts, milk contains the amino acid tryptophan, which helps you sleep.

Apples

Ever grabbed a Pink Lady in the evening as a quick snack?

Stop!

5

The natural acids in the fruit increase acid levels in your stomach, causing discomfort.

And as your digestion slows down at night, the apple remains in your tummy for longer, giving these acids time to build up.

When to eat: Morning

Apple peel contains dietary fibre pectin, which stimulates the liver to produce bile – needed to break down food.

Eat one first thing to help digest any food left in your system and get to work on your breakfast.

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Nuts

5

Munching on cashews before your main?

Their mix of omega-3 fatty acids, protein and fibre can suppress your appetite rather than fill you up, meaning you don’t eat enough dinner and then end up late-night snacking – and possibly gaining weight.

When to eat: Night

Nuts contain tryptophan, which converts into happiness hormone serotonin, as well as sleep hormone melatonin – the brain’s natural relaxation chemicals.

So you’ll not only nod off quicker, but also enjoy better ZZZs.

BTW

Drinking water before a meal could help you shed pounds.

Research has found people who glug two glasses eat 22% less than those who drink nothing.*

But have water during or after a meal and you dilute valuable acid that helps break down and digest food.

*European Journal of Nutrition The Inside Story: How Your Colon Holds The Key To Your Wellbeing, And What You Should Do About It! by Linda Booth (ebook, £5.95) is available from

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