Tripti Dimri has a reputation for a magazine-perfect physique and has never been shy about sharing glimpses of her fitness routines. From yoga to strength workouts, Dimri leaves no stone unturned in hitting her fitness goals. While the Animal actress follows a strictly regulated diet, when asked about her ideal cheat meal at The Ranveer Show Podcast, she couldn’t resist sharing her love for the popular Chinese fast foods, noodles and momo.
To be specific, she is a fan of paneer momos “A lot of people don’t like it, but I love it”. Dimri sometimes even credits the snack as her workout motivation, on her fitness posts. But is Dimri’s dream cheat meal, nutritionist-approved? Let’s find out.
How the body reacts
Dr Aditi Prasad Apte, senior clinical nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital, explains that Chinese fast food on cheat days can have immediate “short-term” effects, such as spiked blood sugar levels, which are even more pronounced when the noodles are made with refined flour.
“These foods are high on refined carbs, salt, unhealthy fat, and other additives,” explains Dr Apte. The body starts holding more water because of the high sodium content, medically described as “water retention”. This may lead to other discomforting symptoms such as bloating, puffiness, acidity, and temporary weight gain the next day. MSG, a frequently used food additive in Chinese fast food, can further increase thirst, cause headaches, or lead to dizziness.
Ideal portion size
Dr Apte assures that cheat days with Chinese meals are completely normal, given that one is mindful of the portion size, these foods are rich in refined carbohydrates. “Balance is the key. If most of the meals (80–90% of them) are healthy—packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein—the body compensates for the rare treat.”
For momo, the nutritionist recommends sticking to 4–6 pieces, and for noodles, “one bowl or about 1½ cups” is non-problematic as it provides sufficient carbs and “doesn’t burden your body with a heavy calorie load.” Dr Apte stresses that portion control holds great significance since these types of food are mainly prepared with refined flour, excess oil, and high sodium, which can lead to slowness in the digestive process and bloating if consumed in large quantities.
“Slowly eating, using a smaller plate, and consuming cheat foods along with water or pairing it with a protein source can help eliminate the risk of overeating,” the nutritionist advises.
Nutritionist tips
“Have your cheat meal guilt-free,” advises Dr Apte, backing her advice with research, which suggests that “eating food with guilt can mess up your metabolism.” For Momo lovers, steamed momos are a better option than fried ones in every way possible. “A meal that is complemented with a side of vegetables or protein (e.g., grilled chicken or paneer) can not only keep blood sugar levels from rising too high but also make the meal more nutritious.”
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Lastly, Dr Apte advises avoiding eating junk food at night as it can lead to bloating and gastric issues, messing up the sleep cycle. “Eating at a slow pace helps the brain to acknowledge the feeling of fullness sooner, which will prevent overeating,” the nutritionist concludes.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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