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Kalki Koechlin on her diet (Photo: Kalki Koechlin/Instagram)
Kalki Koechlin recently spoke about home and life, while also detailing her diet. My partner and I make breakfast. Lunch is Indian. My cook makes great fish. She is Bengali,” Kalki said.
“Dinner is salad-based and light. I love a burger, but I don’t like the fast food ones. It’s not about being healthy. We have French fries, we have pasta, we eat all those. My daughter’s favourite food is pasta bolognese,” the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara actor told BrutIndia.
Taking a cue from her revelation, let’s examine why it’s advisable to have a light dinner.
Dr Imran Shaikh, consultant GI, HPB Surgeon & GI Oncosurgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said keeping dinners light is essential for maintaining good digestive health. “A heavy meal late at night can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to issues such as acidity, bloating, indigestion, and even acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). When you lie down soon after a large meal, stomach acid can easily flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and disturbed sleep,” said Dr Shaikh.
A light dinner, especially one that includes easily digestible foods like steamed vegetables, soups, and lean proteins, reduces the workload on the stomach and intestines. According to the expert, it promotes smoother digestion, prevents the buildup of gas, and alleviates constipation. “This practice also helps regulate bowel movements and supports a healthier gut microbiome,” said Dr Shaikh.
She likes to eat salads (representative) (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
From a clinical standpoint, it’s ideal to finish dinner at least two to three hours before bedtime.
“This gives the stomach enough time to empty partially, reducing the risk of reflux and improving overall sleep quality. Avoiding high-fat, fried, or spicy foods at night is also recommended, as they delay gastric emptying and may irritate the gut lining,” said Dr Shaikh.
Overall, a light dinner not only improves digestive comfort but also contributes to long-term gastrointestinal health and reduces the risk of chronic issues.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.