Best time to eat noodles

Noodles are ubiquitous in all cuisines if almost all cultures across the globe. What started off in pockets of South East Asia and certain parts of Europe has taken the world by storm. The best part about noodles is its versatility; you can mix and match them with almost any accompaniment. They can be eaten spicy or bland, with a wide mix of vegetables and meat or with only a little sauce, as a savory main dish or a sweet dessert. Almost every cuisine in the world has its own version of noodles- from the Italian pasta to the Indian idiyappam. It is eaten for lunch and dinner, and, as every college student will know, instant noodles are a godsend. But is it a good idea to eat them anytime and anywhere? Let us find out.

best time to eat noodles

Any time in moderation

Noodles are made from a variety of ingredients, namely, rice, wheat, and buckwheat, with a smattering of noodles that are made from mung beans, potato or corn starch, acorn meal, konjac, and seaweed. If you look at the ingredients, they look healthy enough. The usual noodles- those made from rice or wheat, are rich sources of carbohydrates. This is a source of pure energy, but in excess, can and will lead to a buildup of fat. Hence, it is never a good idea to make a staple diet out of noodles only. There is no harm in eating noodles once a day, but you must supplement it with ample vegetables, lean meat, and fish to keep up with the vitamins and proteins.

During the daytime

It is best to keep your noodle consumption limited to the day time. This is because noodles are made of wheat, which is a very rich source of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for our bodies, and we need a well functioning metabolism to be able to process carbs. Our metabolism remains high during the day, and slows down during the night. Unprocessed carbs are always converted to fat by the body for future use. As a result, eating noodles at night might result in unwanted fat gain.

At an all-nighter

However, that does not mean that you are not allowed to eat noodles at night at all. Students who have to pull all nighters before an exam or an assignment’s due date will well know how the body cries for sleep, and the hunger pangs that are associated with late night studying. Instead of digging into bags of crisps and cups of caffeine, it is much better to opt for a bowl of wholesome noodles. If possible, opt for the whole wheat variety; although you can go for instant noodles as well. Just make sure to steer clear of the spicy variants as your body will not react well to a combination of little sleep and spicy food.

How and when you eat noodles is dependent on your lifestyle and your physical system. If you are sensitive to gluten, for instance, a range of noodles will become inaccessible for you. It is also best to stick to noodle salads with ample meats and vegetables if you are on a weight watchers’ diet. The secret is moderation; everything will be fine as long as you don’t overstep your physical limits.