Why Do Spaniards Eat Dinner So Late and How Does It Affect Their Health?

Have you ever wondered why Spaniards eat dinner so late compared to other countries? In Spain, people usually eat dinner at 10 p.m. or later, which may seem strange or unhealthy to some foreigners. However, there are historical, cultural, and geographical reasons behind this eating habit, and it may not be as bad as it sounds.

In this article, we will explain why Spaniards eat dinner so late and how it affects their health. We will also share some tips on how to adapt to the Spanish dinner time if you visit or live in Spain.

Why do Spaniards eat dinner so late?

Spaniards eat dinner so late for various reasons, such as:

• The siesta: The siesta is a traditional nap that Spaniards take in the afternoon, usually between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The siesta originated from the need to escape the heat and rest during the hottest hours of the day, especially in rural areas where people worked in agriculture. The siesta also influenced the meal schedule, as people ate a large lunch before the nap and a light dinner after the nap .
• The time zone: Spain is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). However, geographically, Spain should be in the Western European Time (WET) zone, which is the same as GMT. This means that Spain is one hour ahead of its natural sun time, which affects the daylight hours and the eating habits. For example, when it is 9 p.m. in Spain, it is actually 8 p.m. according to the sun position . This makes Spaniards eat dinner later than their neighbors.
• The lifestyle: Spaniards have a different lifestyle than other Europeans, which is more relaxed, social, and nocturnal. Spaniards tend to work longer hours, but also take longer breaks during the day. They also value spending time with family and friends, and enjoy going out for tapas (small dishes) or drinks before dinner. They also stay up late for entertainment, such as watching TV, going to the cinema, or dancing at nightclubs . These activities make Spaniards eat dinner later than usual.

How does eating dinner so late affect their health?

Eating dinner so late can affect their health in different ways, depending on the quantity, quality, and timing of the food they eat. Some of the effects are:

• Obesity and metabolic syndrome: Eating dinner so late can increase the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome, which are conditions that involve excess body fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol levels. This is because eating late at night can disrupt the circadian rhythm (the natural cycle of sleep and wakefulness) and affect the hormones that regulate appetite, metabolism, and energy expenditure . Eating late at night can also cause overeating, as people may consume more calories than they need or choose unhealthy foods such as fried, salty, or sugary snacks .
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Eating dinner so late can increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a condition that involves acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus and causes symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, or difficulty swallowing . This is because eating late at night can reduce the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, which is a muscle that prevents the acid from flowing back into the esophagus . Eating late at night can also delay the gastric emptying, which is the process of moving the food from the stomach to the small intestine . This can cause the stomach to remain full and press against the LES .
• Sleep quality and mood: Eating dinner so late can affect sleep quality and mood, which are important for health and well-being. This is because eating late at night can interfere with melatonin production, which is a hormone that regulates sleep and circadian rhythm . Eating late at night can also cause indigestion, discomfort, or pain that can prevent falling asleep or staying asleep . This can lead to sleep deprivation, which can impair cognitive function, memory, alertness, and mood .

How to adapt to the Spanish dinner time?

If you visit or live in Spain, you may need to adapt to the Spanish dinner time to enjoy the local culture and cuisine. Here are some tips on how to adapt to the Spanish dinner time:

• Adjust your meal schedule: You can adjust your meal schedule to match the Spanish one, which usually consists of four meals: breakfast, lunch, merienda (afternoon snack), and dinner. You can eat a light breakfast around 8 a.m., a large lunch around 2 p.m., a merienda around 6 p.m., and a light dinner around 10 p.m. or later. You can also eat some tapas or appetizers before dinner to curb your hunger and taste some local specialties.
• Eat smaller portions: You can eat smaller portions of food at each meal, especially at dinner, to avoid overeating and indigestion. You can also choose healthier foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, or whole grains, and avoid fried, salty, or sugary foods. You can also drink water or herbal teas instead of alcohol or soft drinks.
• Wait before going to bed: You can wait for at least two to three hours after eating dinner before going to bed, to allow your food to digest and prevent acid reflux. You can also elevate your head with pillows or use antacids if you experience heartburn or discomfort. You can also avoid caffeine, nicotine, or stimulating activities before bedtime, as they can keep you awake and disrupt your sleep.
• Enjoy the experience: You can enjoy the experience of eating dinner late in Spain, as it is part of the culture and lifestyle. You can use this opportunity to socialize with your family and friends, try new dishes and flavors, and have fun.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spaniards eat dinner so late for historical, cultural, and geographical reasons, and it may not be as bad as it sounds. Eating dinner so late can have different effects on health, depending on the quantity, quality, and timing of the food they eat. Eating dinner so late can increase the risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, GERD, and sleep problems . However, eating dinner so late can also be enjoyable and satisfying . If you visit or live in Spain, you can adapt to the Spanish dinner time by adjusting your meal schedule, eating smaller portions, waiting before going to bed, and enjoying the experience .