As per dietitian Lavleen Kaur, rice and chapati, both have their own health benefits. On one hand, rice and dal together contain all amino acids and form a complete source of protein, which is absent in most plant-based food items.

On the other hand, having chapati made with barley, sorghum, finger or pearl millet and a little bit of wheat as a binder can provide you with nutrients like calcium, phosphorus and zinc.

“Both are good options and can be consumed on alternate days. But one needs to be careful about the portion sizes and have dinner by 8 pm when the aim is to lose weight,” Kaur said.

She added that having carb rich foods late at night can lead to bloating and may cause hindrance in the absorption of nutrients by the body.