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    The 15-Minute Tone Up Workout

    “This workout is simple, but it’ll seriously crank your heart rate and metabolism,” says strength and conditioning specialist Jen Ator.You’ll also increase your flexibility and core strength and sculpt your butt, legs and shoulders, so you can get back to that sun lounger asap. Make this set your travel go-to, or do it three times a week as a super-efficient workout. Starting with the first exercise, perform as many reps as you can in 50 seconds, rest for 10, then move on to the next. After all four moves, rest for one minute. Repeat two more times for three circuits total.You’ll need: Floor space; a mat (optional)Marching Glute Bridge

    Lie face-up with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, arms by your sides. Press through your heels to raise your hips so your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees (A). Raise your right foot, knee bent at 90 degrees, until your shin is parallel to the floor (B). Hold for three seconds, then lower your foot and repeat with the left. Alternate.READ MORE: This Do-Anywhere Workout Will Have You Sweating Up A StormAlternating Reverse Lunge

    Stand with feet hip-width apart, hands clasped behind your head (A). Step back with your right leg and lower your body until your left knee is bent 90 degrees (B). Push back up to start. That’s one rep. Switch legs and repeat.Plank Builders

    Get into plank position, forearms on the floor, elbows under your shoulders, legs extended behind you (A). Place your right hand flat on the floor (B), and then your left, straightening your arms to push-up position (C). Return to start by lowering onto your right, then left, forearms. Repeat, leading with your left hand; alternate.READ MORE: Women’s Health Fitness Special 2024Skater Hop

    Cross your left leg behind your right and lower into a half-squat, your right arm out to the side, left arm across your hips (A). Hop to the left, switching your legs and arms (B). That’s one rep. Keep hopping quickly, alternating from side to side.Moves extracted from The Women’s Health Big Book of 15-Minute Workouts. More

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    Get The Strong Girl Look This Summer With The New Fitness Fusion Collection

    Join the club, the Strong Girl Club. The inspiration behind the latest Fitness Fusion line comes straight from the powerhouse women we see every day. Strong in every aspect of life, whether it’s in the gym, at home, or in the office, these everyday women hustle, grind and make it happen. Fitness Fusion is here to celebrate that strength and grow with you.About Fitness FusionFitness Fusion is all about fuelling your body, moving with purpose, and helping you feel unstoppable. Their goal? To have you feeling confident, supported and ready to take on the world in your activewear.READ MORE: Here’s Why We Love Our Cover Search Partners (And Why You’ll Be Obsessed Too)Support Meets StyleThe design aesthetic is all about Style in Motion; keeping you looking and feeling your best as you work towards hitting that next goal.With high-performance fabrics and flattering fits, Fitness Fusion focuses on superior design and fashion-forward looks – all without breaking the bank. Say goodbye to compromising on quality and hello to the perfect blend of style and functionality. Get The LookSculpt Active Tank (Green)

    Sculpt Active Shorts Black (Green Logo)

    Stanley The All Day Slim Bottle

    Sculpt Active Tank (Pink)

    Lovisa Waterproof Oval Hoops

    Sculpt Active Shorts Black (Pink Logo)

    Fitness Fusion Yoga Block

    Sculpt Active Shorts (Green)

    Lovisa Neutral Coated Claw Clips

    Find them in Cavendish Square, Houghton Estate and online.**WH Partnership More

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    This Do-Anywhere Workout Will Have You Sweating Up A Storm

    When you have to travel or prior commitments (whether it’s your family, kids, work or friends) are making it impossible to get to the gym, it’s always great to have a simple, do-anywhere workout tucked into your back pocket. This one, from SWEAT 1000‘s Andrew Rothschild, is perfect for any space, even a smaller-than-ideal hotel room or the beach, and it will get your heart rate up — just what you need to get all those endorphins pumping and calories burning.Do each exercise move as described, working as hard as you can and resting as indicated. If you’re looking for even more of a burn, repeat the workout from the top for just under 25 minutes of intense calorie burning.The Do-Anywhere WorkoutWarm Up1 minute: bouncing side to side

    1 minute: jumping jacksLower-body WorkoutDo all four exercises in a row, sticking to the time frames. Recover for one minute, then start from the top. Repeat three times. Work hard for the recoveries and use the rest to reset and refocus.40 seconds: squats

    20 seconds: squat pulses

    20 seconds: squat jumps

    40 seconds: reverse lunges, alternating legsREAD MORE: Sculpt A Great Butt With This Home Booty WorkoutFull-Body And Core WorkoutDo all three exercises in a row, sticking to the time frames. Recover for 30 seconds, then start again. Repeat three times. Once again, maximum effort will get you maximum results, so push hard during the exercises and work for those recoveries.30 seconds: 2 push-ups, 4 mountain climbers

    30 seconds: burpees

    30 seconds: cross mountain climbersREAD MORE: 30 Plank Variations That Will Transform Your Core From A TrainerGetting into fitness and looking for more inspo? Buy a copy of The Women’s Health Big Book Of Walking Workouts on sale now! More

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    “I Took On The Wildest Half Marathon — Here’s How It Went Down”

    When it comes to bucket list runs, I’ve ticked off some wild and wonderful locations: the damp forests and slippery glaciers of Patagonia, the icy altitudes of the Alps and Rocky Mountains and the landmark-strewn streets of London and Paris. However, it was Mpumalanga’s Skukuza Half Marathon that provided the most thrilling run I’ve ever had – and I relished every moment. On the eve of the race, we entered the Kruger Park from the Paul Kruger Gate and drove to camp along the Skukuza road. It wasn’t long before we saw the most elegant male leopard out for an evening walk – perhaps hunting now that the sun was low. Deep in the thick bush, we tracked him for ten minutes; his exquisite tawny coat flowing between the muddied backdrop of the Mopaneveld. We lost sight of him behind a huge acacia tree. There was no mistaking it: we were in the land of the untamed, with wild animals and the magic of the African bush.

    READ MORE: The Only Half-Marathon Training Plan You Need Per Run CoachesThe next morning’s race started at 8:30, after a helicopter buzzed any potential threats away. As a safeguard, there were more than 40 armed rangers on the course to help provide a sense of calm. Elephants, hippos, buffalo, leopards and lions were all constantly being urged away from the route by the SANParks helicopter. At first, I mistook it for a TV camera heli, smiling and waving until I realised that every time it came close it was because there were wild animals nearby. Later on I confirmed with the pilot that they were indeed constantly leading buffalo, hippos and leopards away from the course. READ MORE: Running Wild For A Greener FutureOasis Water To Beat the Heat Kruger National Park itself spans 19 455km and Skukuza Camp is just 280m above sea level, so there is no challenge of altitude, but the route is a tough one which many underestimate. Underfoot are mostly gravel roads with slippery corners in places and there’s about 8km of tarred roads, too, so it’s a real mashup with both road and trail shoes being an option. What’s most punishing, however, are the many short but very sharp hills. Overall elevation gain is 218m and it was a scorching 28ºC by 8:30am. This is where the Oasis Water availability throughout the full 21km was a complete game-changer. Not only was it stocked every few kilometres, but it was at a chilled temperature that tasted delicious with every sip and step. There is no doubt this race is a unique, visceral thrill. It’s the real deal: running in the wild, sharing the space with Africa’s most revered game. It hit home hardest when I recognised the acacia tree from the previous evening. Just ten metres away. I did what I had never done before in a race: I stopped, ignored runners in front and behind me and peered into the bush, wondering if there was a leopard staring back.For more information on how to enter, visit krugerparkmc.co.za. And for more details regarding Oasis Water’s dedication to sustainable and healthy living, visit oasiswater.co.za. More

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    Push Beyond Limits With Garmin’s New fēnix 8 Series

    Whether you’re a serious athlete or an adventurous soul, the new Garmin fēnix 8 Series is here to push you beyond your limits with unbeatable performance. These next-gen premium multisport GPS smartwatches come with either a vibrant AMOLED display or a solar charging option for even more battery life to keep you going. Packed with advanced strength training features, dive capabilities, an internal speaker, mic, and more, the fēnix 8 Series is designed for those who never settle. Plus, with its incredible battery life, you’ll never miss a beat – the 51mm AMOLED model lasts up to 29 days in smartwatch mode, and the 51mm solar model can go for a massive 48 days with its always-on display. Ready to explore further? This watch is.“For years, the fēnix line has been celebrated for its premium features, materials and design. And now, we’re thrilled to introduce our most capable fēnix yet. This latest lineup not only adds new design details, sport-specific training enhancements and convenient communication tools, it also allows users to choose between a beautiful AMOLED display or solar charging for extra-long battery life. If you’re looking for a sophisticated smartwatch that can hold you accountable and help you reach your health and wellness goals, look no further than fēnix 8.”

    Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer SalesSomething for everyoneAMOLED or solarChoose between a bright AMOLED display or an always-on display with a solar charging lens that harnesses the power of the sun even better, resulting in fēnix 8 – 51mm providing 50% more solar power than its predecessor1. Both models also feature refreshed graphics. Rugged designAll models feature leakproof metal buttons, a new sensor guard to help protect essential sensors and have been tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock and water resistance. And premium materials like an optional titanium bezel and optional scratch-resistant sapphire lens are built to endure, even in the harshest of conditions. Built-in speaker and microphoneMake and take phone calls from the watch when paired with a compatible smartphone. Certain voice commands like “start a strength training activity”, “set a timer for 5 minutes”, “save waypoint” and more can be activated right from the watch—no phone connection is required. Built-in LED flashlightQuickly control the flashlight’s brightness right from the display. Variable intensities, a red light and strobe mode can help provide greater awareness in dark environments—like during a training run, searching for a lost toy under the couch, reading a menu at a dimly-lit restaurant and more.Advanced strength trainingElevate performance with targeted, 4-6-week strength training plans to help meet personal goals, plus sport-specific workouts for athletes of all types, including trail runners, surfers, skiers and more.Dive capabilitiesDive in with a 40-meter dive-rated case, leakproof metal buttons and support for scuba and apnea dive activities.Garmin Messenger™ appCommunicate with family and friends via two-way text messaging right from the watch2.Advanced mapping and navigationView terrain contours on TopoActive maps3 and access preloaded maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts around the world. A new map interface allows users to easily customise map layers to get the most out of their navigation. While exploring, enter a distance on the watch and receive suggested routes to stay on track and on time with dynamic round-trip routing.
    [embedded content]
    Perform at your bestNo matter the adventure, fēnix 8 Series can help athletes of all types push beyond their limits. Every morning, a training readiness score can help determine if it’s a good day to go hard or take it easy, while advanced training metrics like endurance score, hill score, VO2 max, training status and more can help gauge overall performance4.During a training session, PacePro™ provides GPS-based pace guidance for selected courses or distances while grade-adjusted pace provides an equivalent running pace at the same effort on flat ground or when ascending. Meanwhile, ClimbPro displays real-time information on current and upcoming climbs. To prepare for the next big race, athletes can view personalised daily suggested workouts that adapt after every run or ride, use free Garmin Coach training plans and reference the race widget for training tips, personalised daily suggested workouts and more. READ MORE: Total-Body Toning Spring WorkoutFind your passionNew activities like apnea and scuba diving join dozens of preloaded activities – including running, whitewater rafting, golfing and padel, plus team sports like soccer, rugby, cricket and more – to help users stay active. Whether working out at a gym or at home, fēnix 8 Series tracks activities like strength, cardio, yoga and HIIT. Users can also follow animated cardio, strength, yoga and Pilates workouts right on their watch screen. Explorers can also keep track of their adventures with insights for snowboarding, XC skiing, surfing, mountain biking and more. While out skiing, users can now track how much time they spend on different difficulties throughout the day at thousands of resorts worldwide.READ MORE: Cyclists, This New Device By Garmin Will Have You On The Edge Of Your SeatExplore on (or off) the beaten pathReady for any adventure, fēnix 8 Series is packed with premium mapping features to help explorers stay on track. Available on fēnix 8 sapphire models, preloaded TopoActive maps provide multi-continent mapping from around the world. An optional Outdoor Maps+ subscription provides explorers with premium mapping content, like satellite imagery and enhanced topographic maps right on the watch. Meanwhile, SatIQ™ and multi-band GPS help provide superior positioning accuracy in challenging environments—all while optimising battery life. Before heading out, adventurers can create or find existing courses in Garmin Connect™ and seamlessly sync them to their watch to get turn-by-turn directions. While out exploring, users can navigate trails with the NextFork™ Map Guide or the built-in altimeter, barometer and 3-axis electronic compass.Track your health statsLoaded with 24/7 health monitoring features, fēnix 8 Series includes wrist-based Pulse Ox5, Body Battery™ energy monitoring, jet lag adviser, advanced sleep monitoring, nap detection and more. Upon waking, users can receive a morning report that provides a customised look at last night’s sleep, their training outlook and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Status.Stay connectedWhile on the go, fēnix 8 Series lets users: share saved locations, courses and workouts with others who have a compatible Garmin device using Garmin Share; receive smart notifications; download songs from Spotify®, Deezer or Amazon Music (premium subscription required) for phone-free listening; workout with peace of mind with incident detection, assistance and LiveTrack6; breeze through checkout lines with Garmin Pay™ contactless payments7; and more.

    Be limitless with Garmin fēnix 8

    The fēnix 8 Series offers a bright AMOLED display or solar charging for even greater battery life. The AMOLED option is available in three sizes – 43mm, 47mm and 51mm – while the solar charging option is available in 47mm or 51mm.

    Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionised life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.ReferencesAssumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions.

    Requires both the sender and receiver of messages to have the Garmin Messenger app installed on their compatible paired smartphones.

    Sapphire versions only. Non-sapphire versions must download maps.

    Activity tracking accuracy.

    This is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition; see Garmin.com/ataccuracy. Pulse Ox not available in all countries.

    When paired with your compatible smartphone. For safety and tracking feature requirements and limitations, see Garmin.com/safety.

    Available for supported cards from participating banks. View current supported countries, payment network and issuing bank information on garmin.com/garminpay**WH Partnership More

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    The Steak Recipe Guests Will Still Be Raving About Weeks Later…

    The tri-tip steak has become increasingly popular for its great beefy taste and tender chew – and is usually a tad cheaper than its other flavour-packed counterparts such as rib-eye. A lean cut of meat with a fairly decent amount of fat, it is ideal for the grill or braai stand and adopts the flavours of other ingredients quite easily. READ MORE: 21 Amazing Protein Sources That Aren’t Meat (And Taste Great)Tri-Tip Steak With Salsa Verde Recipe

    Tri-Tip Steak With Salsa Verde

    Nutritional Facts: About 392 cal, 26.5 g fat (7.5 g sat), 35 g pro, 466 mg sodium, 2 g carb, 1 g fibre. 

    Prep Time 45 minutes mins

    Course dinner, Lunch

    Servings 4Calories 392 kcal

    900 g Tri-tip steak, trimmed4 Tbsp Olive oil, divided1 tsp Smoked paprikaKosher salt and pepper1 cup Parsley leaves½ cup Basil leaves3 Tbsp Capers, drained½ small Clove garlic, pressed2 tsp Dijon mustard½ tsp Honey
    Heat grill to medium-high. Rub tri-tip with 1 Tbsp oil, then paprika and ½ tsp each salt and pepper.Grill, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked to desired doneness, 18 to 25 mins depending on size of tri-tip. It’s medium-rare when instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of meat registers 55℃. Transfer to cutting board and let rest at least 10 mins before slicing. Meanwhile, in mini food processor or blender, pulse parsley, basil, capers, garlic, mustard, honey, ¼ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper until finely chopped. Add remaining 3 Tbsp oil and pulse to combine. Serve with steak. 

    Photographed By MIKE GARTEN Prop Styling By ALEX MATA Food Styling By SIMON ANDREWS

    Keyword Salsa, Steak

    Nutrition Facts: About 392 cal, 26.5 g fat (7.5 g sat), 35 g pro, 466 mg sodium, 2 g carb, 1 g fibre. READ MORE: 9 Obvious Signs You Lack Iron And Need To Change Your Diet ASAPMore stories to read… More

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    7 Proven Pilates Benefits And The Best Apps To Download

    Pilates is all about slow, controlled movements – but its fitness and health rewards are supercharged. Whether you go for a class on a mat, using gravity for resistance, one on a reformer, or a more contemporary variation with equipment like spring-loaded chairs and larger Megaformers, you’ll walk away with feel-better benefits on day one. Here, we look at the fantastic Pilates benefits and Pilates apps to try.Pilates tones your musclesWhile people often say Pilates leaves you with “long, lean muscles,” technically, all muscle is lean mass. But the workout does strengthen and stretch your limbs in one go. “Oftentimes, people feel that their body has been compressed, tense and tight beforehand but leave the studio feeling looser and more aware of their body,” says Marina Kaydanova, founder of BK Pilates in the U.S.READ MORE: What is Pilates? A Complete Guide for Beginners, Inc. 34 Exercises + 15 Best Online ClassesPilates sculpts a rock-solid coreProbably the most well-known Pilates move — the Hundred — is all about abs. But exercises that target your tummy are hardly the only reason it’s a dynamo core workout. Most Pilates moves require you to keep proper alignment and challenge your stability to stay balanced, which helps fire up your midsection. In fact, in a British study, after just 12 weeks of a Pilates routine, a majority of people showed improved core strength.It makes you more flexibleNo wonder Pilates has been a favourite of dancers for decades. The workout is about strengthening and stretching – and research has shown it comes with a major muscle-loosening pay-off. After only eight weeks of a Pilates routine, people showed improved the flexibility in a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness.READ MORE: Total-Body Toning Spring WorkoutPilates improves your postureA big focus of the workout is maintaining good alignment and balance as you slowly move through all the exercises. So it makes sense that doing a mat or reformer routine on the reg will help you sit and stand tall the rest of the time too. A strong back, glutes and abs won’t just look good but are also key for nailing perfect posture.It might ease your achesPilates helped relieve chronic back pain for participants in many studies. “It can help relieve lower-back pain, partially because it adds support to your core,” says Kaydanova. A regular routine can also help prevent future injuries by improving your flexibility and mobility.READ MORE: Build Killer Abs With This Quick Core WorkoutPilates counts as cardioCardio while lying on your back? Sign. Us. Up. All right, it might not pack the same punch as running intervals, but Pilates does include a dose of cardiovascular exercise. Classes on a reformer are better for this than those on a mat, since the reformer’s springs and jump board allow for more energetic moves. But mat Pilates can rev your heart rate too: plenty of new workouts introduced are enough to create a sweat.Pilates might help you lose weightWomen who did Pilates three times a week for eight weeks lost weight and centimetres in their waist and improved their BMI, in one small study from Pamukkale University in Turkey. Keep in mind, though, that study participants were overweight and sedentary to begin with – so if you’re already active, you might not notice a dip on the scale.A 2022 literature review concluded that there’s no outright proof showing that Pilates can significantly create weight loss, since studies are scarce. Nonetheless, tons of women on TikTok swear by the practice as a powerful weight loss tool.READ MORE: 6 Cardio Myths You Need To Stop Believing Pilates apps to tryPilatesAnytime

    This app boasts “the largest library and greatest variety” of Pilates workouts, including on the mat, reformer, with equipment and barre fusion. After a 15-day free trial, PilatesAnytime is R499 per month.

    Alo Moves

    A holistic app, Alo Moves includes fitness, meditation, nutrition and self-care content. There’s a range of yoga and Pilates programmes. After a free trial, the app is R231 per month. Alo Moves is not available on Google Play.

    DownDog Pilates

    From the creators of DownDog Yoga, the Pilates app is highly customisable. Choose your level, music, instruction voice, and boost your workout by body focus. The premium version is around R178 per month.

    The Movement Lab On Demand

    This subscription-based service is an accessible form of legendary classes at The Movement Lab. With the R449 monthly fee, you’ll score 6 recorded in-studio sessions a week and supplementary elective content, plus an existing library of workouts.

    Glo

    Having been around since 2008, Glo sports a wide variety of workouts, including Pilates, HIIT and meditation. Get access to daily live classes and 8 000+ on-demand sessions for R534 a month.

    Blogilates

    Popular Pilates pioneer Casey Ho takes her YouTube classes into app form. The free app includes monthly challenges, a workout calendar and body-focused sessions.

    This article written by Laurel Leicht originally appeared on Women’s Health US More

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    Experts Explain If You Should Actually Eat Carbs At Night

    We live in a time when the rules around food are subjective, greatly varying and, as a result, confusing. Some women eat sticks of butter for breakfast; others swear by consuming nothing but fruit. Then there are the people who only eat one meal a day. And through it all, carbs seem to remain the maligned meal group. While we know that carbs in moderation are healthy, is it ever okay to eat carbs at night?Meet the experts: Mbali Mapholi is a clinical and consultant dietician. Reabetjoe Mokoko, also known as Rea The Cooking Dietitian, is a dietician and chef.First, define “night”When we asked experts about the time of day we should consider night-time, they said after dinner. They both agreed that this would be after dinner and before bed. “This period is when your activity levels generally decrease, and your body starts to wind down in preparation for sleep,” explains Mapholi. “The timing can influence how your body processes food, especially carbs, which can affect your energy levels, digestion, and even your weight management efforts.” So before you wonder about potatoes on your supper plate, this discussion won’t cover that. But late-night pies, a quick Oreo or chocolate before bed? Fair game.READ MORE: 5 High-Carb Fruits—And How Adding Protein Or Fat Helps Blood Sugar Does digestion change at night?The answer is a bit more complicated than yes or no. Let’s start by noting that sleep does trigger a change in the way your stomach processes food. According to a Gastroenterology and Hepatology study, there’s less saliva, fewer swallows and peristalsis (the muscle contractions that move food through your digestive tract) slows down.But what about the short period right before bedtime? “Yes, your body’s digestion and metabolism change as the day progresses,” says Mapholi. “Studies show that insulin sensitivity – the body’s ability to manage blood sugar – tends to decrease in the evening. This means that your body may not process carbs as efficiently at night, compared with earlier in the day, potentially leading to higher blood glucose levels and increased fat storage.”READ MORE: “This Is How I Conquered Perimenopause Symptoms And Lost 14KG”How does the body process carbs at night?In short, it processes things just the same as if you’d eaten the popcorn for breakfast. The only difference? Morning carb consumption almost always precedes some kind of activity – something that you’re likely not engaging in at night. “At night, your body processes carbs by breaking them down into glucose, which can be used immediately for energy or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles,” says Mapholi. “However, due to the reduced insulin sensitivity at night, excess glucose is more likely to be stored as fat if it’s not needed for immediate energy.”Which factors can influence a carby snack after dinner?First, consciously uncouple from the notion that eating carbs is so problematic that you need to axe it after 6pm. “There is nothing wrong with eating carbs at night,” says Mokoko. “There is actually evidence that eating carbs at night can be more beneficial than harmful. It’s been shown to improve sleep and help restore glycogen stores, to feel more energised in the morning.” Also, if you’re diabetic, eating some carbs “is necessary to prevent low blood glucose in the morning,” says Mokoko.Time itHaving said that, a little bit of timing can help you get better sleep. “Eating too close to bedtime can disrupt digestion and sleep,” explains Mapholi. “It’s best to eat at least 2-3 hours before bed to allow your body to digest properly and avoid discomfort.”Pick the right stuffYou knew dieticians would say this, but it bears repeating: “It is more advisable to have what is considered as ‘healthier’ carbs, which are generally the brown carbohydrates that are high in fibre,” says Mokoko. Mapholi agrees. “Opt for complex carbs, like vegetables, whole grains and legumes. They provide a gradual energy release and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.”Consider what you’ve done todayWere you sitting on the couch all day? Or chained to your desk? Depending on your goal, excess carbs might not be necessary. “If you’ve been active throughout the day, your body might handle carbs better at night by replenishing glycogen stores in your muscles,” explains Mapholi.Pick a (reasonable) portionPMS might dictate that you down the entire slab of chocolate or box of doughnuts (fair enough), but if you’re looking to maintain or lose some fat, consider reducing the portion size. “Larger portions of carbs at night can lead to excess calories, which may be stored as fat due to decreased insulin sensitivity,” says Mapholi.Can you eat carbs at night when you’re trying to lose weight?First, consider the factors above and then make your decision. “Eating carbs at night would impact one’s weight loss journey if the carbs you are eating will result in one exceeding their daily recommended calorie intake,” says Mokoko.READ MORE: How Many Carbs Should I Eat If I’m Trying To Lose Weight?Can you eat carbs the night before an endurance race?Alas, a brilliant silver lining! “The carbs consumed at night would help to increase your body’s glycogen stores,” explains Mokoko. In fact, it’s even recommended. “When it comes to activities such as endurance races that have increased energy requirements, ‘carb loading’ is normally recommended to help increase liver and muscle glycogen stores,” she adds.“[The glycogen stores] are essential for sustained energy during prolonged physical activity. Carbohydrate loading, particularly with complex carbs, can enhance performance by providing a slow and steady release of energy throughout the race,” says Mapholi.Can you eat carbs at night with no particular health goal?If you’re not looking to pursue any particular goal, you’ve got wiggle room. “The timing of your carb intake might be less critical,” says Mapholi. “However, it’s still important to maintain a balanced diet and avoid overindulging in carbs late at night, as this could lead to weight gain and disrupt your sleep.”Still, be mindful of what you snack on. “The key message is even if your goal is not to lose weight, it is still ideal to follow healthy eating guidelines that encourage intake of healthier carbs which are high in fibre and would have more nutritional benefits over refined carbs,” suggests Mokoko.One more takeaway, from Mokoko: “The main finding around late-night snacking is that it is generally associated with unhealthy food choices, that are energy dense and low on nutrients,” she says. “Late-night snacking can have positive health effects if we opt for healthier food choices.”The top nighttime snacks, from dieticians“If you find yourself craving a snack at 10 pm, it’s best to choose something light and easy to digest,” says Mapholi. “These snacks combine protein and complex carbs, which can help you feel full without overloading your digestive system.”A small portion of yoghurt with berries

    A slice of whole-grain toast with almond butter or peanut butter

    A small portion of popcorn

    Slices of fresh fruit

    A handful of nutsKeep stashes of these in your cupboard so you don’t feel tempted to Uber Eats your way into a giant burger:

    Who knew lentils could do that? Made with lentil and chickpea flour, this snack is high-protein and gluten-free.

    These chocolate-coated nuggs are vegan, delightful and naturally made. Again, who knew: chickpeas and chocolate!

    Made with plant protein powder, peanut butter and cocoa, these little bites feel indulgent.

    Michelle October

    Michelle is the features editor at WH. She’s immensely curious about the world, passionate about health and wellness and enjoys a good surf when the waves are good. Find her on Instagram here. More