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We can further refine this formula because we haven't taken into consideration
Thermic Effect of Food. For most mixed meals,
body burns around 10% of
eaten calories to digest
food. To calculate
precise number of calories we need to eat to maintain zero calorie balance while sleeping, we will solve this equation:
Calories Eaten(CE) - TEF = 0.9 * (RMR/1440) * number of minutes sleeping (noms)
TEF = Calories Eaten/10
CE - CE/10 = 0.9 * (RMR/1440) * noms
9*CE/10 = 0.9 * (RMR/1440) * noms
0.9 * CE = 0.9 * (RMR/1440) * noms
CE = (RMR/1440) * noms
The formula turned out to be simpler than we expected. Another simplification is to base
formula on hours, not minutes. In this case:
Calories Eaten Before Bed = (RMR/24) * Hours Slept
It is time for a real world example. Consider a 200 pound male bodybuilder, that sleeps 7 hours a night.
Resting Metabolic Rate = 879 + (4.64 * 200) = 1807
Calories Eaten Before Bed = (RMR/24) * 7 = 527 calories
In this specific case, our case study bodybuilder can safely eat 527 calories before going to bed, and we are sure that he will maintain zero calorie balance.
What type of meal is best to eat before bed?
I suggest a protein and fat meal, providing complete slowly digested proteins. The best foods before bed are: all meats, eggs and low-carb cheeses.

Hristo Hristov owns X3MSoftware, a company specializing in developing diet and fitness tracking software. Hristo has a degree in Computer Science and passion for strength training. Hristo has designed and written Fitness Assistant, X3MSoftware's leading software product. Download your demo at http://www.x3msoftware.com