Dinner time!

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Dinner time is my jam. I've heard from countless dieting people/expert/guru people that you're supposed to have your largest and "heaviest" meal for lunch and that dinner should be something light and airy.

Ha. This girl doesn't roll that way.

I love me some dinner but the issue lies with how late I eat. Because of college, I tend to eat around 5:45-6:00 (based off when the cafeteria closes); that's just too early. But when I'm at home, we easily eat dinner around 9:00-9:30. I do need to try to find some light and airy and determine when I should eat dinner that's not too early, and not too late...something that's just right.

Okay Miss Goldilocks.

Here's what I found out about dinner:

• You should eat dinner 2-3 hours before bedtime. So for me, while I'm at school and I have to eat dinner at around 5-6 and I don't go to bed until midnight or later, I need to have a snack around 150 or so calories with some carbohydrates/lean protein to help me last the evening; I will have to have this snack around 2-3 hours before I hit the pillow. This helps with overeating the wrong foods because you're hungry or bored and will help you to be hungry in the morning for breakfast.

• Now for when I'm at home and I'm not planning on going to bed before midnight, eating a late dinner is perfectly acceptable-sweet!

It's all about timing people.

Benefits of spacing meals and bedtime?

• You'll sleep better

• You'll avoid heartburn

• You'll digest your food before you wake up which causes you to be hungry for breakfast (which is a good thing-don't skip breakfast!)

Now what kinds of food should we eat for dinner?

Taken from http://www.livestrong.com/article/400166-what-should-i-eat-for-dinner-to-lose-weight/, this may what's for dinner tonight!

Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry:

A combination of lean chicken and vegetables is low in fat and calories and also provides fiber and protein to help you feel full by eating less food. Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a skillet or wok and add white meat chicken chunks, chopped onion, minced garlic and chopped carrots. Stir-fry for 5 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink. Add red bell pepper, snow peas and sliced zucchini. Stir-fry for a few minutes more, add low-sodium soy sauce and a sprinkle of ground ginger. Stir and heat through. Serve over steamed brown rice.

Grilled Tenderloin Salad and Vegetables

Tenderloin is a lean cut of beef that is low in fat and calories but high in protein. A small portion of tenderloin served over leafy greens is a satisfying meal that may help you reduce your caloric intake. Grill your tenderloin over medium heat until cooked to your desired doneness. Cool slightly and slice with the grain. Layer on a bed of Bibb lettuce, spinach and red onions and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Serve with grilled zucchini strips, red bell peppers and red potatoes.

From Eating Well

Southwestern Beef Bean Burger (Oh. my. goodness.)

Gnocchi with Tomatoes, Pancetta & Wilted Watercress

You know what, just check out this

website because it's chock full of delicious healthy and filling dinner ideas! :)

I would love to hear about your go-to dinner recipes! :)

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