Some experts say that the best time to eat is when we feel hungry, as our body sends a signal telling us it's time to replenish nutrients and energy. But the problem is: some people often feel hungry out of habit (even when their body doesn't actually need more nutrients) and then binge on high-calorie foods, which is why many people gain weight.
Actually, the best time to eat is when the body is most active and its metabolism is at its peak. Therefore, upon waking up in the morning, you should have a substantial breakfast. After about ten hours of not eating while you sleep, your body has had no energy replenishment and its cells have used up their stored energy. At this time, the body urgently needs to refuel. Moreover, in the morning, the body also needs a lot of nutrients, especially protein, because protein cannot be stored in the body. It has been circulated and consumed, absorbed by things like hair, skin, and nails, or used to produce antibodies to fight bacteria invading the body.
By replenishing energy at breakfast, the body will burn more energy to nourish muscle tissue. Wake-up times vary from person to person, so there is no fixed time for breakfast. It is sufficient to eat within an hour of waking up.
Another optimal time to eat is within half an hour to 45 minutes after a workout. At this time, the enzymes that burn energy are most active, while the hormones that store energy are suppressed. This means the likelihood of energy being converted into fat is reduced. When you eat at this time, carbohydrates are immediately used to replenish glycogen, which was depleted during the exercise. After a workout, the body needs protein to help muscle tissue recover and grow, a process that requires fat for energy. The energy consumed after a workout is all used to restore physical strength, so there's no need to worry about gaining weight.
Many people skip breakfast, which is actually a wrong practice. Sumo wrestlers in Japan don't eat breakfast because it helps them gain weight. Some people also believe that they feel hungrier after a workout and will overeat, but these views are all incorrect. If you choose the right time to eat, you won't have to worry about gaining weight!