Squash star Anahat Singh eats six pieces of chocolate before bed every night: ‘This doesn’t change’

Squash player Anahat Singh reveals a unique pre-sleep habit during an interview on Raj Shamani's podcast, The Figuring It Out Co. Prior to retiring for the night, Singh insists on consuming six pieces of chocolate. Her mother recently voiced concerns about the habit, suggesting Singh reduce her chocolate intake. In response, Singh consulted her nutritionist, who advised bringing the chocolate consumption down to fewer pieces.

Singh, however, maintains that her six-piece ritual remains unaltered. Nutritionist Edwina Raj, from Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, clarifies that a small amount of chocolate before bed is not inherently harmful for a healthy, active person like Singh. Dark chocolate, in particular, contains beneficial compounds such as flavanols and magnesium.

However, Raj emphasizes that the nutritional value of chocolate varies greatly depending on the type and quantity consumed. She stresses that there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that six pieces of chocolate before bed are necessary for improved sleep, recovery, or athletic performance. Raj acknowledges that individual responses to chocolate consumption can differ, with some people experiencing sleep disruption, heartburn, or digestive discomfort.

She advises athletes to prioritize overall calorie intake, protein, carbohydrates, hydration, and sleep quality over mimicking another athlete's routine. Raj recommends healthier alternatives to chocolate before bed, such as yoghurt with fruit, milk with a banana, or a combination of nuts and fruit.