Chrononutrition: Does Meal Timing Matter?

An interesting topic is being thrashed out across nutrition circles. Simply—is it what you eat or when you eat that matters most? This discussion of chrononutrition — the term for meal timing and how it affects your health — has gained traction in recent years, especially against the backdrop of topics including intermittent fasting.
But how much does timing influence our metabolism, fitness goals, and overall well-being? We asked two experts, James Brady, Nutrition Coach at OriGym, and registered nutritionist Jenna Hope, to digest their thoughts on this topic.
Timing and Metabolism
“Meal timing is important for supporting your health, however, what you eat and how you eat is just as important if not more important than the times at which you eat,” says Hope. Research suggests that simple carbohydrate consumption in the evening may cause greater blood glucose spikes than when consumed earlier in the day. However, as Hope points out, “Blood glucose response is very different in everyone and therefore these findings may not apply to everyone.”
Brady highlights the importance of nutrient timing for those training regularly. “For someone actively training, you should aim for a macronutrient balance of 40–60% carbohydrates, 20–30% protein, and 20–30% fats per day. Focus on carbs around workouts for energy, protein evenly distributed to support muscle repair, and healthy fats for sustained energy and overall health.”
On intermittent fasting (IF), Hope explains, “Research suggests there may be some benefits to restricting eating windows for some people, evidence is more promising in men. Additionally, these benefits may even out after a period of two years when they can become less effective. We also need to consider the impact of intermittent fasting on an individual’s mental health, relationship with food, and social well-being. Sometimes other areas of your health can be negatively impacted, so IF may not be right for everyone.”
Your Performance and Recovery
As anyone who’s gone running on an empty stomach can attest, meal timing can directly impact athletic performance and subsequent recovery. Hope advises listening to your body’s needs pre- and post-workout. “The intensity of your workout can impact the optimal time to eat for recovery. Higher intensity workouts may require an individual to eat within 15-30 minutes after a session, whereas a low to moderate intensity workout requires eating within around two hours of the session,” she says.
Brady expands on the importance of pre-workout nutrition. “Pre-workout nutrition provides the energy and nutrients required to enhance endurance and performance,” he says. “Consuming carbohydrates fuels your muscles, protein supports recovery, and staying hydrated boosts overall effectiveness. Timing this 1-3 hours before exercise will help maximise these benefits.”
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
The debate over meal frequency often depends on individual preference. “This is very individual dependent,” says Hope. “Some people function more optimally eating little and often whilst others function better on three larger meals. Individual preferences, gender, training and lifestyle can all impact this.”
Hope highlights the potential downsides of eating late at night. “Eating late at night can increase the desire for high-sugar foods which can have a negative impact on blood glucose and weight management. Additionally, eating within two hours of going to sleep may negatively impact the absorption of the sleep hormone melatonin which can contribute to delayed sleep latency. Additionally, eating a large meal too close to going to bed can increase body temperature which can also disrupt sleep,” she explains.
That’s because chronotypes, or whether someone is a “morning person” or “night owl,” can influence meal timing strategies. “Some people may find it more difficult to eat earlier on in the day and therefore most of their calories may be consumed later on in the evening and vice versa,” says Hope. “We’re all unique and therefore a personalised approach is best.”
Avoid These Mistakes
Brady identifies common mistakes that can hinder fitness goals. “Common mistakes include underestimating their calorie intake, even when eating healthy food. This can often come from snacks, beverages, and condiments. Skipping meals, erratic meal times or inconsistent eating patterns can also have an impact on workout performance, energy levels, and recovery,” he explains.
Both experts agree that hydration is essential. “Hydration is crucial for optimal performance as it helps prevent fatigue and greatly aids in recovery,” says Brady. “Clients should always drink water before exercise so they’re hydrated when they begin a workout. Water should then be sipped throughout training and then clients should rehydrate afterward based on sweat loss.”
So, while meal timing can enhance certain aspects of health and performance, it’s not a magic bullet. Both Hope and Brady agree that the quality and balance of your diet are equally, if not more, important. Consistency, personalisation, and listening to your body remain key. The message here is clear: focus on creating a sustainable, balanced eating pattern that aligns with your individual needs and lifestyle, and the rest will come. Piece of cake.