Ayurveda suggests that the end of the day is dominated by kapha, so the food we eat at night should balance kapha rather than increase it.
While a wholesome breakfast is essential for a healthy lifestyle and often called the ‘king of all meals,’ other meals throughout the day are equally important. Skipping dinner to avoid gaining weight could actually disrupt the system and lead to weight gain. When we eat is just as important as what we eat. Health and Ayurveda experts have long emphasized the importance of not only having a light dinner but also a healthier one.
According to Ayurveda, there are certain foods to avoid at night as they create an imbalance in the kapha dosha. These include foods high in glycemic index and packed with simple carbs like oily foods, packaged frozen foods, and ice cream. If you still choose to eat them, moderation is key. Consuming such foods at night can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
According to Ayurveda, the last part of the day is dominated by kapha, therefore, whatever we eat must be able to balance kapha and not increase it. Here are 8 Ayurvedic tips for eating healthy at night:
- Opt for healthy and low-carb foods for your evening meal, as they are easier to digest. Consuming heavy meals at night can disturb your sleep and leave you feeling light-headed the following day.
- Switch out curd for buttermilk at night. According to Ayurveda, curd increases the kapha dosha in the body, leading to excess mucus production in the nasal passages. Buttermilk is a better alternative as it is lighter and less likely to disrupt the natural balance of kapha in the body.
- Practice moderation when it comes to nighttime eating. Keep your dinner light, and avoid overeating as it can expand the stomach and create toxins in the digestive tract. Additionally, leave a gap of 2-3 hours between dinner and sleeping time.
- Incorporate protein-rich foods into your evening meal, such as pulses, lentils, green leafy vegetables, and curry leaves. Consuming more protein and fewer carbs at night can help support your digestive system.
- Limit your salt intake after 7 PM, as consuming too much salt at night can increase water retention in the body and put your heart and blood vessels at risk.
- Use more spices in your evening meals, such as cinnamon, fennel, fenugreek, and cardamom. Spices not only add flavor but also provide many health benefits, including increasing warmth in the body and curbing appetite.
- Avoid sugar in your dinner and consider using honey as a substitute. Honey not only enhances the taste of your food but can also promote weight loss and help reduce mucus.
- Focus on your food while eating, avoiding distractions such as television or excessive conversation. Eating with awareness can become a form of meditation and help prevent overeating.