Sep 21, 2021
Amy Goodson’s 4 Side Effects of Eating Before Bed

Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, is the author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook and has previously worked as a sports dietitian for such programs as the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and TCU Horned Frogs.

Needless to say, she knows a thing or two about healthy eating decisions. And, if you need further proof, you can check out her appearance on our podcast, Sideline Sessions with Wesley Sykes.

In addition to being an author, Goodson also serves on the medical board of “Eat This, Not That.” She was recently interviewed by the outlet on the positive and negative effects of eating before bed.

Below is an excerpt from the story.

  1. It May Help Regulate Your Blood Sugar
    For those individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, a nighttime snack of fiber and protein might help regulate your blood sugar overnight,” says Goodson, “and this is because the protein works to help keep your blood sugar more stable, which could help regulate your levels in the morning.
  2. You May Experience Acid Reflux or Indigestion
    Goodson warns that if you’re someone who already suffers from acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), then eating right before bed may cause you a lot of discomforts.

    “Eating late at night and laying down soon after can exacerbate acid reflux/GERD symptoms, causing indigestion reflux,” says Goodson.

  3. You Won’t Go To Bed Hungry
    Yes, this one may seem pretty obvious. If you eat before bed, you won’t be hungry, right? But what some people might not think about is that going to bed hungry or on an empty stomach can actually make it much harder to fall asleep.

    » ALSO SEE: Notre Dame ATC’s Winning Touch Has Hand in Victory

    “If you have trouble falling asleep, a protein-rich snack might help keep you more satisfied,” says Goodson, “so you can try a protein before bed like string cheese, a spoon of peanut butter, or a glass of milk to see if that helps.

  4. You Might Fall Asleep Faster
    The good news is that there are certain foods that can help you fall asleep faster and have better quality sleep. Foods like almonds, walnuts, and bananas are rich in melatonin, which is a natural hormone that can help with sleep. Not only do these foods have melatonin, but they contain magnesium and zinc as well, which together can help people get a better night’s sleep.

    To read the full story from “Eat This, Not That,” click here




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