It’s the classic “I’m trying to be good” dinner move: a crisp green salad, maybe with a few nuts, some grilled chicken, and a drizzle of olive oil. Light, fresh, easy on the calories. But after months of ending my day this way—and waking up feeling strangely bloated or unrested—I started to question if this was really doing me any favours.
Turns out, it wasn’t just in my head.
When your stomach says no to raw
According to health experts like Dr. Maximilian Schubert, medical director at Mayrlife Medical Health Resort, salads—especially in the evening—can be surprisingly hard to digest. Raw vegetables, despite their glowing health halo, require more energy and digestive power than most of us have left in the tank after a long day.
And it’s not just greens. Other raw foods like sushi, steak tartare, and even fruit or nuts can place extra strain on the gut when eaten late. For many, the result is abdominal discomfort, bloating, or restless sleep. In some cases, high levels of fructose in fruit may even affect blood sugar and disturb overnight rest.
The issue isn’t with the nutritional value of these foods—they’re still packed with fibre, vitamins, and healthy fats. The problem lies in timing. According to Dr. Schubert, by late afternoon—around 4 or 5 pm—our digestive system naturally starts to slow down. Piling on the raw stuff just gives it extra work when it’s least prepared to handle it.
So what should we be eating instead?
If raw veggies are off the menu at night, what’s left? Quite a lot, actually. Schubert recommends switching to cooked vegetables, especially those prepared gently—think steaming, baking, or a quick sauté with minimal oil. Warm soups, light broths, and easy-to-digest proteins like grilled fish or poached chicken also make excellent choices for a nourishing and calming evening meal.
These foods are easier for the body to process, which means less strain on your digestive system and a better shot at deep, restorative sleep. And if you’re someone who tends to snack late into the night, a well-balanced, warm dinner might just help you break that habit too.
Rethinking my evening routine
Since making the swap, I’ve noticed real changes—better sleep, fewer digestive complaints, and an all-around lighter feeling come morning. While salad still has a place in my diet (hello, lunch!), I now think twice before defaulting to it after sundown.
It’s a small shift, but one that makes a big difference—and that’s often the case with good health. Sometimes, it’s not about changing what you eat, but when you eat it. And in this case, a bowl of steamed veggies beats a crunchy Caesar every time.
Similar Posts:
- Experts reveal the best time of day to eat a banana for maximum benefit
- Meatball Recipes Revealed: 10 Tasty Ideas for Every Palate!
- Experts reveal the best time of day to eat a banana
- Ultimate BBQ Delight: Lime & Thyme Chicken Skewers That Everyone Will Love! Here’s How.
- The one breakfast food you should absolutely avoid in the morning
Theo is a dynamic fitness coach who brings energy, realism, and flavor to healthy living. His content is about strong bodies, positive minds, and meals that fuel both.