Manoj Bajpayee in a recent interview revealed that he has been skipping dinner for around 13-14 years and how his grandfather’s fitness level inspired him to follow his eating habits. The actor said that initially he fasted for 12-14 hours to control his weight, but over time he stopped eating dinner. Bajpayee removed dinner from his diet after his doctor advised him to eat his last meal early. Bajpayee says his diet pattern is similar to intermittent fasting, but he does it for 18 hours and eats between 9 am and 3 pm and eats only healthy food. (Also read: Intermittent fasting can prevent tooth decay, improve dental health; Learn all the benefits from experts)
Skipping dinner or intermittent fasting can help some people
Intermittent fasting is a diet plan where you eat at certain hours and fast for rest. There are different types of intermittent fasting. 16:8 In intermittent fasting, people eat in an 8-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours each day. Intermittent fasting has many benefits and can help people lose weight and delay the onset of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Intermittent fasting people tend to skip either their breakfast or dinner, but experts say if the choice is between breakfast or dinner, skip it.
What the Research Says About the Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Fasting for several hours can trigger a metabolic switch and help burn fat more efficiently and manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. There are studies that prove that intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation and cholesterol.
What the experts say about skipping dinner
Experts say what works for one person may not work for another and so skipping dinner may not be suitable for everyone.
“In our pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, we often come across different dietary strategies. One such approach that draws attention is skipping dinner. The idea behind this practice is to reduce calorie intake, potentially lose weight and prevent chronic diseases. However, it is important .understand that our bodies are unique and what works for one person may not work for another,” says nutritionist Anupama Menon.
Understanding individual body types
Before considering any dietary changes, it is essential to assess our body type and calorie needs based on our routine and exercise patterns.
“If you’re generally healthy and close to your body weight, skipping dinner won’t speed up fat loss; in fact, it can hinder your progress. Each of us has specific nutritional needs, so it’s important to identify the point in the day when hunger is most difficult. It does,” says Menon.
Side effects of skipping dinner
“Skipping meals can have negative effects on our bodies and minds. When we skip meals, our blood sugar levels drop, causing us to feel sluggish and irritable. This can also lead to overeating later. Also, our bodies can ‘skip food.’ ‘starvation mode’ which slows down our metabolism and stores fat to conserve energy. It’s important to nourish our bodies with regular, healthy meals to maintain our energy, mood and overall health,” says nutritionist Sakshi Lalwani.
“Skipping meals can also disrupt our metabolism. When our body doesn’t get regular meals, it can go into starvation mode, which slows down our metabolism to conserve energy. This means the body burns fewer calories, making it harder to lose. Maintain weight or a healthy weight. Additionally, when we skip meals, we may not be getting enough of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need for health and well-being. For example, skipping meals can lead to a deficiency in iron and other essential nutrients that support cognitive function, immunity, and other important processes in the body. It is needed,” Lalwani adds.
So what can be done instead of skipping dinner
Menon says that instead of skipping dinner blindly, it is advisable to distribute our calorie intake throughout the day according to our hunger patterns.
“If you’re most hungry in the first half of the day, allocate about 20 to 25% of your total calories during this time. For example, focus on consuming 70% of your calorie needs in the first half of the day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Eat. Then, opt for a light evening meal, such as a comforting soup, salad, or refreshing fruit bowl. On the other hand, if work makes you hungry during the day, stress, skipping dinner may not be the best option. In this case, eating a light meal and meeting your nutritional needs is a good idea. Consider reserving a healthy dinner,” suggests Menon.
How to work on a healthy dinner combination
Whether you decide to skip dinner or not, keeping your dinner combinations simple is a beneficial practice, says Menon.
– Don’t overload your digestive system by consuming too many food groups at the same time. For example, opt for a three-slice whole wheat sandwich with vegetables, paired with a simple grilled chicken soup, or a cheese with vegetables.
– By keeping it simple, you allow your body to digest and absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Late night snacking problem
“An important point to note when skipping dinner is the potential risk of late-night snacking. If you skip dinner but feel hungry later in the evening, the temptation to indulge in an unhealthy snack may arise. Your brain can judge these cravings. , what you eat Don’t think so, but it can do more harm than good. It’s important to be mindful of late-night snacking and its impact on your overall diet goals,” says Menon.
“When it comes to skipping dinner, effectiveness varies from person to person. It’s important to listen to your body, understand your hunger patterns, and make informed choices about food distribution. Skipping dinner may not be right for everyone, especially if you’re generally healthy and your closer to your desired weight. Instead, focus on a well-rounded approach by consuming a nutritious breakfast, a satisfying snack, and a light evening meal. By taking a conscious and individualized approach, you can achieve your health goals. The nutrition it needs,” concludes Menon.