Most people are told not to eat before bed due to the concern of fat storage. However, most bodybuilders actually are taught to eat before bed.

Why do bodybuilders have a meal before bed?

Having protein before bed will help combat against muscle loss. During sleep when your glucose levels drop, your body will enter a catabolic state (muscle wasting state). To get the bodies energy it will burn fat, but will also burn a small amount of your hard earned muscle to get the amino acids!

What should you have in the meal before bed?

About a half hour after you fall asleep, your body releases a huge
spike of growth hormone. Unfortunately, high glucose levels will halt production of this growth hormone spike. For this reason, you should leave carbohydrates out of your late night meal. You should have about 40 to 60 grams worth of protein before bed.

In order to slow the release of your protein, you should take fat with your protein shake. Flaxseed oil or peanut butter should be taken with a protein shake before bed. You can also choose to have a slow digesting protein source instead, such as cottage cheese or meat.