By: Shimpli Patil
The festive season has begun and the excitement sees no bounds. After having loads of fun during Navratri it’s now the festival of lights- Diwali.
With Diwali comes outings, guests visit, dinner parties, etc. all of which are inevitable. More often than not we end up indulging in sweets and other sinful foods and then feel guilty for all the wrong eating, which then makes us look for some easy and quick ways to shed off those extra kilos that we gained during the festive season. But, the unfortunate part is that we end up resorting to all the wrong ways of shedding that extra weight which again has a YO-YO effect (bounce back).
I would love to share a few health tips for you which would help you stay away from this vicious cycle of binging –> feeling guilty –> weight gain –> wrong methods of losing weight –> weight gain –> feeling guilty again
Try this-
- If you plan to go out, don’t go on an empty stomach. Eat a small snack before you head out. Choose snacks like boiled corn, mix veggie salad, a fruit bowl, sprouts, veggie soup, yogurt with crushed nuts, whole wheat bread sandwich, etc. This will keep you full and thereby prevent binging/overeating when you are
- If one meal goes for a toss, make sure the rest of the meals are absolutely on track. E.g. If you have a dinner party planned, make sure your meals through the day (breakfast, lunch, snacking items) are very much balanced and healthier.
- Sip water frequently throughout the day. It will keep you hydrated and will also satiate the false hunger.
- Pick healthier desserts- Choose dry fruits/fruits/kheer/phirni/shrikhand (you can make it using hung curd)/dark chocolates/til or peanut chikkis/dink laddoos (gum arabic)/ sheera/ date rolls/ date-walnut mithai, etc. over any other sugar-loaded sweets. Sweets made out of jaggery or organic honey are good to go. Remember, we need to take care of the portions too.
- Choose baked food items over deep fried ones.
- Compensate- It’s true that saying “NO” when you are offered sweets by your loved ones especially during this festive season is going to be difficult. Don’t worry! Pick one, eat it mindfully and enjoy the eating experience. Now you know what to do next. Compensate for your extra caloric intake in your following meals. More fibre (salads, veggies), good amount of proteins and lesser carbs.
- Go easy on the alcohol. It’s a major dehydrator and contains empty calories. Choose red wine or vodka over any other hard drinks. Sangria would be the best option here (cut fruits in red wine).
- Be a health-conscious host this Diwali. Serve snacks like dhokla, masala peanuts, unsalted nuts and dry fruits, sprout-chaat, fruit salad, idlis, baked chaklis Avoid serving soft drinks or artificial juices. Lemon water, jal jeera, flavoured milk, spiced buttermilk, fresh fruit juice would be some better options here.
- Firecrackers are going to pollute the air. The pollutants (free radicals) have an easy access to our body as we breathe. Neutralize the free radicals by consuming adequate antioxidants through colourful fruits, berries and vegetables.
- Last but not the least, don’t forget to work out! Workouts would kick your body metabolism in high gear, helping you burn calories faster. It’s best to get your workout done before going out for a party. The spiked metabolism would help you burn better when you eat at the party.
Enjoy the festival, stay mindful throughout and have a great time!
Wish you Happy, Healthy & Safe Deepawali Folks!!
Disclaimer: Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
