There’s no better wellness inspiration than Shilpa Shetty who has always advocated for balanced meals and a healthy lifestyle. The star has not only shared her go-to recipes with her fans but has even shared her experiences with cheat meals as part her famous Sunday Binge series. Shilpa recently appeared in a talk show hosted by Kareena Kapoor Khan and opened up about how she feels about dieting.
“You know the word diet comes with a pre-conceived notion that it needs oil-free and flavourless food and I want to debunk this. When I cook for my YouTube channel I always try to tell people that if you use healthy alternatives, the food can be just as delicious and healthy. You don’t need to make compromises but we need to live in awareness and breathe and eat in awareness," she said during the appearance.
The actor also opened up about her views on carbs. Shilpa revealed that she doesn’t shun carbs as she loves her morning sourdough bread she feels carbs are crucial for daily energy. However, she shared a personal rule she sticks to when it comes to consumption of carbohydrates.
“What kind of carbs you’re choosing is important. Don’t eat fried potatoes, but instead choose a baked sweet potato. I try to be mindful because carbs are important to us, my sourdough is a staple in the morning. I try not to eat carbs after 6 or 7 pm,” she revealed.
Several other celebs have admitted to cutting down or eliminating carbs after sundown. While some believe that cutting carbs in the evening aids weight loss and improves overall health, it’s important to look at how it can specifically help those who are trying to stay fit.
It Improves Metabolic Flexibility
The body is remarkably adept at utilizing various energy sources, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, based on its metabolic needs. Consuming carbohydrates in the evening doesn't automatically lead to weight gain because the body's ability to switch between energy substrates ensures metabolic flexibility.
However, Harvard Health Publications suggests that eating a large number of calories, at night is linked to depression, weight gain and obesity. This is crucial information for anyone who suffers from emotional eating or tends to overeat.
The glycemic response to carbohydrates is influenced by various factors, including meal composition, portion size, and individual insulin sensitivity. Consuming a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats in the evening can help modulate blood sugar levels and prevent postprandial spikes and crashes. However, choosing lower glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates promotes sustained energy release and supports stable blood sugar control.
Should You Avoid Carbs After 6?
Not necessarily. Carbohydrates are integral to the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleeping cycles. Including complex carbohydrates in the evening may promote relaxation and improve sleep quality by facilitating serotonin synthesis. So, whole grains, fruits, and dairy products contain tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, and consuming them in moderation can contribute to restful sleep without affecting metabolism.
Moreover, if you work out in the evenings, consuming certain carbs may help you. Consuming carbohydrates post-exercise, regardless of the time of day, promotes muscle recovery, glycogen replenishment, and overall exercise performance. Including a combination of carbohydrates and protein in a post-workout meal or snack supports muscle repair and growth.