Why eat fruits on an empty stomach? Why having a fruit after your meal is not a good idea?
Here's WHY…
Let's say you're having a grilled chicken salad for lunch then you fancy some dessert. Technically having a fruit like an apple post meal is healthier than having an apple pie. We know this. However, when fruit is eaten after a meal, it could cause indigestion. Think of feeling bloated, gassy, and heaviness after a meal, even food coma! Ever had that feeling? So how and why does this happen?
This goes back to the principle of proper FOOD COMBINING.
The concept of food combining is based on the premise that fruit, starches, and proteins take different amounts of time to digest in our systems. It also uses different stomach acids and enzymes to digest these foods hence, there are ways to properly combine your food for optimal digestion. Improper food combining has been known to cause bloating, gas, weight gain, and can eventually accelerate the process of aging.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY FRUITS THEN?
Fruits require small amount of energy and only at least 20 mins to get digested. Fruits get digested really fast (when consumed properly) compared to proteins or starches that take several hours. Based on the principles of food combining and to optimize your digestion, it is best to have fruit first on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.
Benefits of eating fruits on an empty stomach:
Improving the elimination process of your body (TMI but the truth!)
Better digestion
Improved energy
Btw, this is also another reason why your grandma would give you a plate of fruit in the morning before eating your breakfast! When I learned about this principle it just made sense to me!
Here are simple fruit tipsss and fruit rules that you could follow:
Fruit rule # 1
Eat your fruit on an empty stomach
Fruit rule # 2
Keep it simple (Avoid adding nut butters or granola. If you want to spice it up, go for cinnamon, cacao nibs, coconut flakes. These are considered “neutral” in food combining)
Fruit rule # 3
Wait for at least 20 minutes before having your meal