Zee Media Bureau/Udita Madan
New Delhi: Whenever hunger strikes, it comes as a natural reflex for us to pop the first thing that looks appetizing enough into our mouth.
We don't really think before eating anything and everything. What's there to think about, you might wonder. As it turns out, there is.
To avoid health problems, every food should be eaten at a certain time in the day. Obesity, bloating, indigestion, acid reflux, constipation, etc., are just a few of them.
We're not talking about diet plans or giving up on specific food items, but simply advising you to change your timing where intake of foods of a certain nature are concerned.
Below, we have compiled a list of foods for you, telling you the best time to eat them. Have a look!
1. Curd:
The best time to consume this digestive wonder is in the day. This is because it aids in smooth digestion and also soothes the digestive system. The worst time to eat curd is at night, since it causes formation of mucus. This is wrong especially if you are prone to flu.
2. Rice:
Consuming rice for lunch is the perfect time, since your metabolism in the day time is much higher than at night, wherein eating rice will just make you feel bloated.
3. Apples:
Want to keep the doctor away? Then simply eat apples in the mornings. Apples consist of a fiber called pectin that aids in bowel movement, prevents constipation and eliminates carcinogens from the body. Eating apples at night may cause acid reflux due to the release of the acids, thereby increasing the acid levels.
4. Sugar products:
Ice creams, chocolates and every food itme that screams “sugar”, should be consumed in the mornings. This is because the insulin in our body fights sugar more effectively at this time of the day. Consuming sugar at night, will only increase your body fat, since physical activity is also at a low at night time.
5. Bananas:
Afternoons are your best friends if you want to eat bananas. Bananas aid in digestion and also work as a natural antacid which soothes heartburn. Never eat bananas on an empty stomach since it may cause an upset stomach. Moreover, eating bananas at night may cause mucus formation and cold.
6. Meat:
The best time of the day to consume meat and meat products is in the afternoon. This way, it helps in gaining physical strength and improves concentration. Since meat is high in protein, it weighs your stomach down if eaten at night and may give you a bloated feeling.
7. Pulses and beans:
These fibrous food items aid in smooth digestion and also help reduce cholestrol levels if eaten at night. Worst time to eat them is in the mornings. Avoid eating sprouts, etc. for breakfast, since it might increase your appetite and cause you to eat more throughout the course of the day.
8. Walnuts:
Packed to the brim with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, these nuts should be consumed in the evenings for best effect. Morning, noon and night consumption of walnuts reduce its effectiveness.
9. Figs and apricots:
Early morning consumption of these fruits is the most effective since they boost metabolism and warm up the digestive system. Eating them at night, on the other hand, might lead to indigestion and gas troubles.
10. Cheese:
Make your mornings as cheesy as you want, since this will prevent easy bloating and weight gain. Why? Because for vegetarians, eating cheese is akin to meat for non-vegetarians. Eating cheese at night will just result in weight gain and heaviness.
11. Milk:
You're probably nodding your head and thinking “morning”, but no. The best time to drink milk is at night. This is because it soothes the body and helps in getting a good night's sleep. Due to more physical activity in the mornings, milk can become heavy to digest and also mess with your meal timings.
