The circadian clock system is responsible for aligning our internal processes at optimal times of the day based on cues from the environment such as light or food.

• Although the main clock manages metabolic function over the day-night cycle, our eating rhythms also impact the main clock. 
• When the main circadian clock in the brain is out of sync with eating rhythms, it impacts the brain’s ability to function fully. Even though the brain is only 2% of our total body mass, it consumes up to 25% of our energy.  So abnormal meal times are bound to have negative health outcomes.

• There is an overlap between neural circuits governing eating and mood. Also, digestive hormones exert effects on dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a large role in mood, energy, and pleasure.
• Individuals with depression and bipolar disorder have abnorma...