New Delhi. To stay healthy, people often pay special attention to their diet. It is considered a good habit to include fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains and protein rich things in your diet. However, eating only nutritious food is not enough. The time at which food is eaten can also affect the body. According to dietitians, eating time may be related to many processes like body metabolism, digestion process, hormones and sleep. This is why it is considered important to maintain regular meal timings along with proper eating habits.
There is a natural biological clock in our body which is called biological clock. It plays a role in controlling many body processes according to day and night. Many activities, from the sleep-wake process to hormone levels and digestion, are linked to this natural rhythm. Meal time can also affect this arrangement. If a person eats food at different times every day or remains hungry for a long time, his daily routine may be affected.
Skipping breakfast has also become a habit for many people. Due to busy schedule, some people have lunch directly. At the same time, some people eat more at one go at night after eating less throughout the day. Such habits can increase digestive problems. Eating a heavy meal suddenly after having an empty stomach for a long time can put extra pressure on the stomach. Therefore, it is considered better to avoid keeping a very long gap between meals throughout the day.
Caution is also necessary regarding dinner. Eating heavy meals late at night may take more time for the stomach to digest food. Due to this, some people may feel problems like gas acidity or heaviness in the stomach. Eating late and going to bed early can also affect the quality of sleep. Some research has also indicated a link between eating late and weight, blood sugar and metabolic health.
Instead of postponing dinner for too long, eating food on time as per your daily routine can be a better option. Generally it is considered convenient to have dinner a few hours before sleeping. After meals, a short walk can also be made a part of the daily routine. Walking at a moderate pace for about 10 to 15 minutes can be helpful for digestion and can also help in reducing post-meal lethargy.
However, every person's needs are different. Meal timings may vary according to age, working hours, physical activity, sleep routine, and health status. A person with any disease or special health condition should consult a doctor or qualified dietician regarding his diet and meal timing. The most important thing is that the food should be nutritious and taken at regular and balanced times. Correct eating habits can help maintain a healthy routine in the long run.