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Bharti Singh recently opened up about how tweaking her dinner time helped her lose weight within 6-7 months and what happened when she stopped following the routine. “When I started eating my dinner at 6.30 pm for 6-7 months, my body had set. But if 6.30 became 9.30, then the body couldn’t accept it. I felt nauseated. When it happened 2-3 times, I realised that the body is trying to tell me to stick to the schedule,” Singh said in a conversation with actor Gurmeet Choudhary on her YouTube podcast.
Dt Debjani Banerjee, dietician – at PSRI Hospital New Delhi, said that eating dinner at 6:30 pm for over six to seven months can lead to remarkable changes in the body that promote health. “There are numerous health benefits associated with this habit that can boost overall well-being, including improved digestion, enhanced sleep quality, weight management, regulated blood sugar levels, reduced risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, improved metabolism, and prevention of acid reflux,” said Banerjee.
According to the dietitian, it also helps with increased energy levels and better hormonal balance. “Research shows that eating dinner early gives the body more time to digest food before bedtime. This allows for better absorption of nutrients and helps prevent digestive discomfort during sleep, including indigestion and acid reflux. Additionally, a lighter stomach at bedtime promotes better sleep quality by reducing the risk of acid reflux and indigestion, which can disrupt sleep patterns,” said Banerjee.
Eating dinner earlier also helps with weight management, asserted Banerjee. “It gives your body more time to burn calories before bed, which can aid in weight control and prevent overeating. It allows for better regulation of blood sugar levels, as the body has more time to process and metabolise carbohydrates before resting. This can also reduce the risk of heart disease,” said Banerjee.
An earlier dinner also improves metabolism. “A well-functioning metabolism can help reduce the chances of acid reflux and other digestive issues. Additionally, eating earlier provides sustained energy levels at night and the next day, promoting better productivity and mental alertness,” said Banerjee.
Lastly, eating dinner early can help maintain a healthy hormonal balance, including hormones related to hunger, satiety, and stress, contributing to overall well-being.
Like Singh, if someone quits eating dinner at 6:30 pm after following the habit, they may experience digestive discomfort, disrupted sleep, and potential weight gain due to inadequate time for digestion and metabolism, said Banerjee. “It may also impact blood sugar regulation and energy levels,” Banerjee said.
Therefore, Banerjee said that sticking to meal timings and having an early dinner is a life-long healthy practice.
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.