"The significance lies not just in what food we consume, but also when we partake in meals and the manner of our eating habits."
In a recent podcast conversation, nutrition expert Anna Dandekar and Aktuell moderator Sebastian Felser discussed the importance of evening meals and what to eat to help with sleep.
During the discussion, Anna Dandekar advised against consuming chips and nougat in the evening. Instead, she recommended choosing foods that aid sleep, but did not provide specific details about what constitutes an evening meal that helps with sleep.
The expert emphasised the ancient saying, "Eat like an emperor in the morning, like a king at noon, and like a beggar in the evening," which still holds relevance in terms of diet. She explained that the body burns the most calories at noon due to hormonal factors, and insulin levels rise about two hours after waking up, remaining high until early afternoon. This means that the metabolism and processing of carbohydrates are most effective during this period.
On the other hand, eating a large meal just before bedtime is less effective for processing carbohydrates compared to eating during the day. Insulin sensitivity increases during the time when insulin levels are high (morning to early afternoon), making it an optimal time to consume carbohydrates.
Anna Dandekar's podcast discussion with Sebastian Felser is available for those interested in learning more about dietary recommendations for the evening. However, the article does not provide any specific advice about the dietary trends that have been mentioned or the foods recommended for evening hunger by nutrition expert Anna Dandekar.
For general advice on healthy foods for evening hunger based on nutrition principles, consider choosing foods that are rich in protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates, such as lean meats, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. These foods can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote better sleep.
As always, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice based on individual health needs and goals.
- In correspondence with Anna Dandekar's suggestions, one might consider a healthy-diet for evening hunger that includes foods rich in protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates, such as lean meats, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.
- Science indicates that an evening meal rich in these nutrients can help regulate blood sugar levels and possibly promote better sleep, which aligns with health-and-wellness principles.
- It's worth noting that, during sleep, the body focuses more on repair and recovery rather than digestion, making it crucial to eat fitness-and-exercise friendly foods like these prior to bedtime for optimal health.