Akshay Kumar 58 Wellness Advice Stop Eating Food After Sunset Expert

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Taking a cue from his advice, we asked a dietitian about following the advice given our hectic schedules.

Dt Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said the idea has some merit, but it requires context. “Our body follows a natural rhythm, so digestion tends to work better earlier in the day. Eating late, especially heavy or oily meals, can cause poor digestion, disrupted sleep, and, over time, weight gain. However, setting a strict 6:30 pm cut-off may not be practical or necessary for everyone,” said Sheikh.

Sheikh mentioned that the body doesn’t “shut down” after sunset. “What matters more is when you sleep and how heavy your last meal is. Ideally, there should be a gap of 2 to 3 hours between dinner and bedtime. If someone sleeps at 10 pm, finishing dinner by 7 to 7:30 pm works well. But for those with later schedules, the timing can shift according to their needs.”

Yes, if dinner is too early and there’s a long gap before sleep, people may snack unnecessarily at night. This often results in consuming calorie-dense, processed foods, which undermines the benefits of an early dinner, pointed out Sheikh.

“Instead of sticking to a strict time, aim for a lighter, balanced dinner. Consider dal, vegetables, and a moderate portion of carbs. Avoid heavy fried foods or sugary desserts late at night. Consistency is crucial; your body responds better to regular meal times than to strict rules.”

Early dinners can help with digestion and sleep, but personal preferences matter. Pay attention to your body’s signals, match meals to your routine, and focus on what and how much you eat, not just the time.