Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, actress Anushka Sharma, and cricketer Virat Kohli have often spoken about a simple but powerful health habit — eating dinner early.
Many public appearances and interviews have highlighted their preference for having dinner between approximately 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm, sparking conversations about how this routine supports overall wellness.
Why Eating Dinner Early Matters
Nutrition experts suggest that consuming dinner at least two to three hours before bedtime can improve digestion, sleep quality, and metabolic balance.
In a July 2023 Instagram discussion, nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary explained that early dinners help align the body’s circadian rhythm — the natural internal clock that regulates sleep and hormone production.
She noted that after sunset, the hormone melatonin begins to rise to prepare the body for rest. However, eating large meals late at night triggers insulin release, which can increase cortisol — the stress hormone — and interfere with this natural cycle.
According to her explanation, when dinner is delayed, the competing hormonal responses may disrupt metabolic balance and sleep patterns.
Hormones, Recovery & Better Sleep
Rashi Chowdhary further explained that cortisol and melatonin do not function optimally at the same time. If the body is focused on digesting a heavy meal late at night, it may reduce the efficiency of nighttime recovery processes.
She emphasised that when individuals adopt earlier dinner timings:
- Melatonin secretion can peak properly
- Growth hormones and repair enzymes are released between 10 pm and 2 am
- Sleep quality improves
- Morning energy levels increase
Better sleep also supports cognitive function. The prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for logical thinking, emotional regulation, and interpersonal interaction — performs better when the body is well-rested.
A Simple Habit With Long-Term Impact
Fitness-conscious celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Virat Kohli, and Anushka Sharma often promote disciplined routines that include balanced nutrition and regulated meal timing.
While diet composition matters, experts argue that meal timing plays an equally important role in metabolic health and weight management.
Early dinner, combined with adequate sleep and regular physical activity, forms a sustainable foundation for long-term well-being.
