Midnight Munchies, Active Imbibers, and Friendly Fitness

Late snacks cause weight gain, drinkers get moving, and friends help motivate.

Timely Treats

Credit: Jonas B

I’ve always gone by the theory that it’s not when you eat but how much you eat that is the problem. But now, of course, there is a new study that shows that eating at irregular times can influence weight gain. Turns out that mice that were fed a high-fat diet during normal sleeping hours gained significantly more weight than mice eating the same type and amount of food during naturally wakeful hours. Researchers think that our circadian rhythms regulate not only wake and sleep cycles but also energy use. This might have me thinking twice about that next midnight snack.

Timing is everything.

Fit and Thirsty

Keeping with our “everything in moderation” philosophy, I enjoy my red wine along with my regular exercise (not at the same time…usually). Now, an interesting study shows that regular drinkers exercise more often than non-drinkers—and those who average more than a drink or two a day may be the most active. It could be that regular exercisers work out to burn off that happy hour margarita, or it could be that heavier drinkers tend to be more adventurous or play sports that end with a drink or two (think the 19th hole after a round of golf or a celebratory beer after a race). Regardless, while drinking can have some health benefits, don’t have more than one beverage a day (two if you’re a dude). And continue getting your move on!

Drink and move.

Pal Power

I love exercise classes. The camaraderie is fun, and I find that group settings push me a little bit harder, maybe because of the friendly competition. Now, science might be backing up the power of group exercise. Researchers measured endorphin production in rowers both when they were on their own and when they worked together as a team. The rowers had a higher tolerance for pain after group exercise, suggesting that the group workouts produced more feel-good endorphins. Even if you don’t have a group, work out with a friend to product the same friendly effect!

Exercise effects.