Published on
31 Aug, 2026
Updated on 31 Aug, 2026
5004When monsoon arrives, it’s observed that even the health-conscious people who used to count their calories start feeling cravings for fried food and tea. It is not a disorder or abnormality, but a combination of the nature of the weather and its impact on our moods, emotions, hormones, and food habits.
The appetite can still be the same or even lower than usual, but the evening cravings persist, and often it feels very fulfilling to quench that evening hunger with spicy or crunchy snacks.
Why Can Appetite Be Low During Monsoon?
The reason for a low appetite and hunger during the day in the monsoon is our slow metabolism and the humidity. During the monsoon, due to high environmental moisture in the air, our digestive fire weakens; this weakened state of the digestive fire is called mandagni.
Additionally, lack of sun exposure and cloudy conditions can cause the body to feel tired all the time. The body already stays rested throughout the night's sleep, and when it wakes up to a cloudy morning, it never gets the conditions to prepare itself for digesting heavy food. This is the primary reason why there may not be a feeling of intense hunger on a rainy day.
Why Does The Stomach Feel Heavy In The Morning?
There can be several reasons for morning heaviness in the stomach; the most common one is having a huge meal late at night. The digestive system works slowly when our body is sleeping. Also, drinking less water at night or sleeping right after having a meal can cause gas and bloating, and this trapped gas can cause heaviness, stomachache, or inflammation in the morning.
Why Can Digestion Become Slow During Monsoon?
There are multiple reasons for the digestive slowdown during monsoon; some of them are:
- High humidity: Too much moisture in the air can make the metabolism sluggish, resulting in slow digestion.
- Weak digestion: Ayurveda states that the digestive fire naturally weakens during the monsoon season, causing the Vata Dosha to rise and digestion to struggle.
- Lack of movement: Rain often leads to more time spent indoors, which makes the lifestyle more sedentary, resulting in digestive issues.
- Bacterial growth: Bacteria multiply quickly during the monsoon, which naturally affects digestion.
Why The Urge To Have Snacks In The Evening?
It is a common urge to have spicy snacks on a rainy evening, which can be seen as an effect of hormonal activity and seasonal influence. Some of the major reasons for it are:
Temperature drop: As the evening approaches, the environment cools down, inducing a craving for warm and spicy snacks.
Hormonal changes: The prolonged fatigue and slowness reduce serotonin in the body, and eating spicy or crunchy food releases dopamine.
Emotional appeal: The attachment to the idea of having delicious evening snacks in the rain plays a role.
Ayurvedic Perspective On Monsoon And Appetite
According to Ayurveda, digestion weakens during monsoon. This season also makes the Vata Dosha rise, and Pitta starts accumulating. In the morning, Kapha becomes active, and a heaviness could be felt in the body. The weak digestive fire (mandagni) is the reason why hunger is low during the daytime.
As the evening approaches, the Vata energy takes over; the cold temperature makes us crave warm food even more, naturally making us gravitate towards having fried and spicy snacks.
Food Considerations For Monsoon Season
Due to the weak and slow digestive system during monsoon, it's better to have food with the following qualities:
- Light Meals: Dishes like khichdi and daliya are some of the foods that can be easily digested even during monsoon.
- Anti-inflammatory spices: Ingredients such as ginger, cloves, turmeric, black pepper, and garlic support immunity and gut healing during viral seasons.
- Warm and fresh food: It is important to always have warm food when it’s fresh. Vegetable soup and herbal tea are also good options in the monsoon.
- Seasonal fruits: A variety of seasonal fruits is beneficial; whole fruits are healthier than market juices.
Best Ways To Boost Morning Appetite
In order to boost hunger in the morning and activate the digestive system, these methods can be utilised:
- Small dinners: Have dinner at least 2 hour and have a light meal.
- Warm water: Drink lukewarm water in the morning to soothe the digestive system and gently wake it up.
- Exercise: Some stretching and movement can help the metabolism to seek more food.
How To Deal With Evening Cravings?
To control evening cravings for snacks, these steps can be followed:
Healthy snacks: Instead of snacking on deep-fried items, it’s better to rely on dry-roasted chickpeas and other healthy alternatives.
Stay hydrated: People often mistake thirst for hunger; staying hydrated keeps our calories low.
Good lunch: Having a substantial lunch full of protein and fiber helps control hunger in the evening.
Conclusion
Monsoon is an enjoyable season for sure, but it does affect our digestive system. Lack of real hunger in the morning and strong snack cravings by the evening can be a natural hormonal response of the body. In order to truly thrive in the monsoon, it is important to understand the changes taking place in the body during the rainy season. Have a light and digestible breakfast in the morning, healthy snacks in the evening, and an early, light dinner, while also staying active throughout the day.
References:
What's Causing My Fatigue and Loss of Appetite?
Short-term exposure to a high-humidity environment triggers intestinal inflammation via AQP3 - PMC
The Psychology of Food Cravings: the Role of Food Deprivation - PMC
