Whats the advisable cut-off point for evening meals?

Health Considerations for Dinner

From a health perspective, it is generally discouraged to eat after 8 pm due to its adverse effects on the stomach. Ideally, avoid consuming food within two hours prior to bedtime, as this promotes physical well-being. Consistently eating close to bedtime can lead to chronic gastritis and potentially diabetes. Here are some dietary restrictions for dinner:

1. Portion Control

Avoid overeating at dinner. Medical experts recommend eating dinner early, as studies have shown that this practice significantly reduces the risk of urinary stone diseases. The peak period for calcium excretion typically occurs 4-5 hours after a meal. Late dinners can cause urine retention in the ureter, bladder, and other urinary tracts, leading to an accumulation of calcium that can form crystals and eventually stones.

2. Balanced Diet

Limit meat intake during dinner. Meals should be predominantly vegetarian, focusing on carbohydrate-rich foods while minimizing protein and fat consumption. However, many families tend to prepare richer meals for dinner, which is detrimental to health. High intake of meat, eggs, milk, and other high-protein foods at dinner can elevate urine calcium levels, reducing calcium storage in the body and increasing the risk of rickets, myopia, and osteoporosis. Additionally, high urine calcium concentrations can promote urinary stone diseases.

What to Eat for Dinner?

1. Porridge

Porridge is an excellent choice for dinner, hailed as the world's premier tonic food. It aids digestion, promotes absorption, and contributes to longevity and beauty. Depending on the season, you can enjoy different types of porridge, such as green bean porridge for detoxification, heat relief, and skin beautification in summer, or red bean porridge for stomach nourishment and skin beautification in winter.

2. Brain-Boosting Dinner

For individuals who engage in intense mental activities, a nutritious dinner is crucial. To enhance memory, acetylcholine supplementation is essential. Here's a recommended dinner menu for mental workers: 100 grams of steamed crucian carp or vegetarian fried tofu, 200 grams of cold celery or spinach, a cornmeal bun, and a small bowl of seaweed soup (without shrimp) or a bowl of purple rice porridge.

3. Calcium and Magnesium-Rich Foods

Experts emphasize the importance of including foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and other trace elements in dinner. These minerals act as natural relaxants and sedatives, promoting overall well-being.