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When growing up in China, I learned the old Chinese saying “早飯吃得早，中飯吃得飽，睌飯不吃也了”.Now there is scientific proof of this belief. In a study published in the Proceedings of the US National Academy of Sciences https://bottomlineinc.com/health/diet-nutrition/time-your-meals-to-lose-weight-prevent-heart-disease?utm_campaign=2019-06-04_BLI_NL%20%28Kg9A97%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Advocator%20-%20Full%20Mailing%20List&_ke=eyJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJob0BocmwuaGFydmFyZC5lZHUiLCAia2xfY29tcGFueV9pZCI6ICJIZ3h5NXMifQ%3D%3D  that  food habits should align with the circadian rhythms of our body for optimal health— the right time to consume food can have a dramatic impact on your chances of developing a variety of serious conditions. The one phrase takeaway is

“Skip the big suppers.”

Unfortunately this does not jibe with modern civilization and US life style. Yes, we eat breakfast early and rush to work. Lunch is a hurried affair from bringing lunch box from home or a quick bite at the cafeteria. Diner is the main meal and time to enjoy with the family. For the women of the house, it is often the major task of the day. In two income family, eating out for dinner is again a big thing. For retirees like myself, we eat when we feel like. Watching movies on TV late at night and munching on snacks is a favorite pastime. According to the above named study, these are not good health habits. I know in my own case, eating late snacks often induce vivid dreams for understandable reasons (more blood goes to the stomach for digestion purpose means less blood supply for the brain). But then, if we do not derive pleasure from living, then what is the point of being alive? Thus, both my wife and I will continue to enjoy our late night snacks. I even often wake up around 2 am, go to our kitchen, and cook something to eat before returning to sleep. As I often say, “夠本了, why worry”