The only thing I could add here that has not been said allready is to have patience and be calm and at peace. I have seen many a time too much anticipation or expectance can trouble ones mind and prevent LDing. In any case, I am very interested to hear what results the mantra sorting will yield and, take your time, focus on your progress, there isn't a need to think you are in a race with others.

As for eating, I always eat late at night and it had never impacted my LD's whatsoever, neither other sleeping habits and events. I think this is a matter that differs from person to person, their metabolism, habbits.