Recently, a noticeable shift has been observed in India, where many choose to swap traditional dinner dishes for lighter breakfast items such as poha, dalia, idli, and cheela. This change, often driven by the belief that breakfast foods are lighter and healthier, is especially prevalent among individuals striving for weight management and a healthier lifestyle. But is this trend genuinely beneficial in the long run? Let’s delve deeper into this growing practice, its potential benefits, and its downsides.
The Trend Explained
The idea behind eating breakfast foods for dinner stems from the perception that these dishes are easier on the stomach. Compared to traditional Indian dinners, which often include heavy curries, rice, and rotis, breakfast items are considered lighter, less oily, and more suitable for those looking to reduce calorie intake in the evening. Given the increasing focus on fitness and weight management, it’s no surprise that many have started adopting this approach to shed extra pounds.
Dr. Umesh Wadhavani, a Nutritionist and Fitness Consultant, offers a balanced view of this trend, acknowledging its advantages and limitations. “Yes and no, both… I have met a few clients who feel that if they are eating something that is meant as breakfast for dinner, it will be lighter on the stomach. Many people make this change for a particular goal: weight management. Common Indian breakfasts like poha, upma, idli, and dosa are perceived to be lighter compared to our traditional Indian dinner,” he explains.
However, Dr. Wadhavani warns that relying solely on this switch may yield different results in the long run. “In the longer run, eventually, they miss out on a larger part. This shift’s healthy or unhealthy effects depend on what they’ve consumed throughout the day. If someone has already exceeded their calorie intake during breakfast and lunch, it hardly matters what they eat for dinner—this won’t help them achieve their goals. Most important is a balanced diet within the calorie bracket suited to one’s health goals. It doesn’t matter if you alter your breakfast food items for dinner time.”
Ultimately, what matters most is ensuring that the day’s overall diet is balanced. Dr. Wadhavani emphasises that any dietary change—be it swapping breakfast for dinner or adjusting meal times—should still prioritise a healthy balance of nutrients. “As a nutritionist, I would recommend avoiding processed and deep-fried foods and opting for a balanced diet. In one line, it is helpful if this swap balances out within your calorie bracket and provides proper nutrition. But if not, it’s better to avoid it,” he concludes.
Meal Timings One of The Core Factors
According to Mayo Clinic, it is suggested that meal timing does play a role in digestion, energy levels, and even weight management, but it’s not the only factor. The total caloric intake, quality of food, and balance of macronutrients throughout the day are much more significant. Eating breakfast for dinner can work if the overall nutrition is carefully managed. However, making it a routine without proper attention to nutritional balance could result in missing essential nutrients.
The Verdict: Is It Beneficial?
Swapping breakfast foods for dinner can be beneficial, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Individuals hoping to lose weight or adopt a healthier lifestyle should focus on creating a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs rather than changing when certain meals are eaten.
The key takeaway is that any dietary change, including this trend, should be part of a broader, well-thought-out nutritional strategy. Eating idli or poha for dinner without considering overall caloric intake and nutritional balance may not lead to long-term health benefits. As Dr. Wadhavani points out, balance and moderation are crucial, and maintaining proper portion control is essential for achieving health goals.
