Surprising Timing: When's the Ultimate Lunch Hour?

If you ask most people when they have lunch, their answer will likely be straightforward: "At noon." However, a nutrition expert suggests that your lunchtime might not be ideal, posing the question: should lunch be eaten in the morning?

Dietitian Audra Wilson shared with the health website The Healthy that the best time for lunch depends on when you have breakfast. "Breakfast is crucial for curbing hunger and stabilizing your mood. Eating breakfast soon after waking up promotes better eating habits. Thus, it's essential to avoid snacking after you've had breakfast," she explains.

According to her, it's advisable to have lunch 4-5 hours after breakfast to help stabilize blood sugar levels. "If you ate breakfast at 7 AM, you should have lunch between 11 AM and the early afternoon," she suggests. For those who prefer a later lunch, she recommends bridging the gap with a healthy snack, like pairing fruit with nuts to stave off hunger. A good lunch should also include protein and salad, both beneficial for the body. As for fat sources, avocado is a great option.

Now, you might be wondering about dinner—well, it should be consumed about 4-5 hours after lunch, suggesting you might have it in the late afternoon rather than evening. Again, you can manage the time between meals with a nutritious snack. Regardless, make sure to have dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime.