Suitable times to eat

For people with traditional 9-5 jobs, lunchtime is often between 12pm and 1pm, making dinner around 6pm or 7pm ideal.

People with irregular work hours may need to adjust accordingly, making sure the gap fits into their daily routine.

Active or athletic individuals need smaller gaps between meals because their bodies burn calories faster and therefore need to replenish nutrients more frequently, while sedentary people can tolerate longer gaps between meals.

Some medical conditions, such as diabetes or acid reflux, require smaller, more frequent meals. People diagnosed with these conditions should consult a healthcare professional for specific advice on meal timing.

The type of food eaten for lunch determines when a person should eat dinner early. The protein, fibber and healthy fats found in lunch provide a long period of energy and satisfaction, while a diet high in carbohydrates may make you feel hungry sooner.