Eating too late could wreck your sleep, muscle recovery and impact weight gain—why this expert recommends an early dinner

Woman, man and child sitting at a table eating a meal and smiling to each other.

Ever since I became a mom, I’ve been having my dinner at 5pm so I can eat at the table with my daughters. Some might consider this ridiculously early but it’s a habit that’s worked surprisingly well. I stay full for the rest of the night and I’m less inclined to snack on sugary treats or junk food while waiting for a later evening meal.

According to Catherine Norton, associate professor of sport and exercise nutrition at the University of Limerick, I’m onto something. Eating earlier supports our health in a number of meaningful ways.