“If you’re eating all of your calories late in the evening, it’s possible that you’re eating more than what you need,” says Melissa Mroz-Planells, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “This can cause us to consume more calories than if we had eaten earlier in the day,” says Mroz-Planells. If we do find ourselves hungry in the middle of the night, a healthier late night snack would be some sliced apples with a tablespoon or two of nut butter, or plain yogurt topped with some berries. Another fun fact: The sun actually sets very late in Spain, so they’re eating in tune with their circadian rhythm. Why consistency is key“Scientifically there’s still no definitive answer to the question, [does eating late at night make you gain weight],” says Mroz-Planells.