Alright, let’s dive right into this paneer mystery. I get it—paneer is delicious and packs a protein punch, but it can sometimes be a little troublemaker in the digestion department.
First off, paneer, like many dairy stuffs, can be on the heavier side for digestion, but it doesn’t take ages either. Generally, it might take about 3-4 hours to digest fully, give or take depending on personal factors and what you pair it with.
Now, considering you usually enjoy it with chapati or rice, accompanied with some saucy curry—it’s not surprising you’re feeling a bit laden. When eaten at night, where your digestive fire (or agni as we call it in Ayurveda) is naturally less potent, heavier foods can lead to feeling sluggish or bloated. Pairing it with heavy or oily dishes indeed extends digestion time.
Cooking methods do matter! Fried paneer is heavier & takes longer to digest than grilled or baked. So your usual grilling is a better option already. Keep up with that!
And about dairy sensitivity, even if you don’t have it as an allergy, some folks are just naturally more sensitive to dairy, which makes digestion more challenging. You might notice signs like bloating, gas or discomfort—kinda what you’re describing.
In Ayurveda, it’s suggested to consume light and easily digestible foods during dinner. So if you’re gonna have paneer, maybe try coupling it with spices like cumin, coriander or ginger—all of which boost the digestive fire. Ginger tea after dinner can be a bonus!
Maybe give a shot reducing portions, or trying to have it during lunch when your digestion is at its strongest. Avoiding at night could help though too. Keep listening to your body’s signals, they tell you a lot. If discomfort continues, maybe ditch paneer for a bit & see if things improve.
Ayurveda’s all about balance, my friend—you got this!
