Viele Ernährungs-Coaches ignorieren den Faktor Chronobiologie des Metabolismus. Nicht aus Bosheit, sondern aus Unkenntnis, und weil die meisten Konzepte nur über Kalorien, Makros und Mahlzeitenqualität…
Many nutrition coaches ignore the chronobiology factor of metabolism. Not out of malice, but out of ignorance, and because most concepts only work via calories, macros and meal quality. Chronotypes, on the other hand, are not on most people’s radar, and if they are, they often only have half-knowledge of the science. This also applies to the topic of “fasting”.
The new ChronoFast analysis now clearly shows:
The body reacts measurably to this, when when we eat – and much more subtly than blood values show.
But before you carve out sacred rules from this, it’s worth taking a closer look. Because this is where evidence-based coaching and popular quick fixes diverge.
What the ChronoFast data really shows
The study setting: 31 overweight women, two scenarios, the same number of calories:
- Early meal window: 8 am – 4 pm
- Late meal window: 13-21 hrs
- Control of meals & calories (isocaloric!)
The results were clear:
- Over 100 lipids in the blood changed depending on the time of eating.
- The fatty tissue also showed different gene activity.
- The molecular patterns indicate that early eating is metabolically processed “differently”.
BUT:
✖ No major changes in cholesterol, triglycerides or insulin sensitivity.
Timing therefore influences the metabolism – but not where we are used to measuring it.
What coaches should NOT deduce from this
The first headlines are quickly formed, which again derive blanket dogmas for action from this. But that is precisely what is counterproductive. A second evaluation of the same study showed that intermittent fasting without calorie reduction does notdeliver any classicmetabolic benefits. The intelligent mix, tailored to the respective situation of the client, is king. Interdisciplinary knowledge is starting to beat specialist knowledge again, which will be the key to survival as a coach, especially in times of AI.
Conclusion: Timing is a factor – but no substitute for calorie balance, sleep, stress and eating quality.
The question that coaches and nutrition experts must now ask:
How do I integrate meal timing in a meaningful way – without overburdening clients or reproducing trends?
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5 ChronoFast points for coaching & nutritional advice
1. timing is part of every professional initial consultation
It is not about specifying timings, but about communicating them as a diagnostic hint:
- Late meals
- Energy holes
- Appetite peaks
- Sleep problems
- Plateaus despite a “correct” diet
All of this can be related to meal timing.
2. chronotype = mandatory knowledge for coaches in nutrition and health
An early riser is more likely to benefit from eating early. Forcing an owl to eat breakfast at 8 a.m., on the other hand, is unprofessional and counterproductive.
ChronoFast provides data – but not the same recommendation for every chronotype. In addition to knowledge of nutrition and metabolism, a central point is therefore knowledge of chronotypes, analysis of the chronotype test result reports and appropriate measures based on chronobiological findings. Anything else is no longer up to date.
3 TRE fasting is a tool, not a metabolic panacea
TRE (Time-Restricted Eating) works if it suits the person or their chronotype , and if at the same time:
- Calories fit
- Sleep fits
- Stress does not escalate
- Food quality is right
Without this basis, the effect fizzles out.
4. early molecular changes are a warning signal
Lipidomics & gene expression show that the metabolism often changes earlier than blood counts reveal. For coaches, this means
- Do not wait for lab results.
- Take early countermeasures before classic markers turn “red”.
5. coaching support needs more rhythm
Everything in our lives is based on a rhythmic organization of the mental and physical processes in our body (ultradian, circadian, infradian). No coaching or counseling discipline can escape this rhythm. Knowledge of chronobiology has long since developed from a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have” for people who support others.
The actual conclusion for coaches and nutrition professionals
ChronoFast is not a starting signal for new dogmas, but rather a nudge in the right direction:
Nutrition is more than biochemistry, rhythm is a crucial element.
A coach who only considers calories and macros is only standing on one leg if timing and chronotype are not integrated.
Specifically:
Do not overestimate timing. But above all: don’t underestimate it any longer.
Quellen
German Center for Diabetes Research: https://idw-online.de/de/news861593
Szekely, K., Mathias J. Gerl, M. J., Beeke Peters; B., Schwarz, J., Schuppelius, B., Damm, M., Soliz-Rueda, J. R., Sehgal,R., Lazaratos, M., Klose,C., Simons, K., Pfeiffer, A. F. H., Schürmann, A., Kramer, A., Michalsen, A., Pivovarova-Ramich, O.: Impact of Intended Isocaloric Early versus Late Time-Restricted Eating on Plasma Lipidome in Women with Overweight or Obesity: Secondary Analysis of the ChronoFast Trial. Adv. Sci. e07149 (2025) [Open Access][https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202507149]
