#24 Metabolic Health and Circadian Rhythms: Does Meal Timing Matter?

Episode Description Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide — yet many of the underlying risk factors are modifiable. In this episode of Mind Your Being, Cass speaks with nutrition researcher Dr Amy Hutchison about metabolic health, circadian rhythms, and the emerging research around meal timing. What does metabolic health actually mean? How does the body regulate blood glucose and insulin after we eat? And could the timing of our meals influence how our metabolism works across the day? Dr Hutchison explains how our bodies follow a natural 24-hour circadian rhythm that affects metabolism, hormone release, and insulin sensitivity — meaning our bodies may process food differently depending on the time of day. They also discuss how disrupted routines such as poor sleep or shift work can impact metabolic health over time. Cass also shares a personal observation from wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for 10 days, including what she noticed when stacking carbohydrates later in the evening and how it appeared to affect overnight glucose patterns and sleep. This conversation explores the science of metabolism and offers practical insights into the everyday habits — including sleep, movement, and meal timing — that may help support long-term health. In this episode we discuss: • What metabolic health really means • Blood glucose, insulin and metabolic regulation • Circadian rhythms and metabolism • Why meal timing may matter • High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk • How disrupted sleep and shift work affect metabolic health • Practical lifestyle strategies that support metabolic health 🎙 Episode 24: Metabolic Health and Circadian Rhythms: Does Meal Timing Matter? Bio: Dr Amy Hutchison is an NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) Emerging Leadership Fellow based within the Lifelong Health Theme at SAHMRI (South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute) , and affiliated with the Robinson Research Institute.  Dr Hutchison has a keen interest in chrono-nutrition, with her research exploring: 1) how modified meal patterns such as intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding can improve blood glucose control and cardiovascular risk in at-risk individuals,  2) how gastrointestinal appetite hormones respond to modified meal patterns, 3) changes in circadian rhythms in food intake, activity and sleep across pregnancy.  She is involved in a number of clinical trials exploring the effects of intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding on metabolic health, as well as the effects of protein supplementation on blood glucose control and metabolic health in shift workers.   https://mindyourbeing.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/mindyourbeingpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574785410170# https://x.com/mind_yourbeing https://www.youtube.com/@MindYourBeingPodcast Thanks so much for listening, Cass x Keywords: metabolic health, circadian rhythms, meal timing, chrono nutrition, metabolic health podcast, circadian rhythm health, blood glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance explained, metabolic health explained, cardiovascular disease prevention, prevent heart disease naturally, metabolic syndrome, blood sugar control, glucose metabolism, health podcast for women, midlife health, longevity health, lifestyle medicine, time restricted eating science, sleep and metabolism, circadian rhythm metabolism, shift work health effects, metabolic flexibility, glucose monitoring, continuous glucose monitor, CGM blood sugar, blood sugar spikes, metabolic health habits, nutrition and metabolism, science of metabolism, healthy aging podcast, women's health podcast, metabolism and circadian rhythm, metabolic health tips, metabolic health lifestyle Disclaimer: The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.