Diwali is almost here. And with this festive days comes another wave of endless parties, exchanging sweets, late nights of celebration, and all the irresistible festive food. How do you celebrate Diwali? Do you eat in moderation or you give in to the temptation and gorge on mithais and chocolates?
Everybody tends to let go their diet plan and indulges in the festive celebrations. While we all enjoy the feasting that is to follow in these couple of days, one cannot also deny the impact that it would have on our waistline soon after. Diwali bingeing may undo most of your dieting efforts. Wise choices, portion control and moderation can help ensure you eat healthy this festive week.
Here are some expert tips from our team on how to eat right this Diwali. Enjoy Diwali without compromising on your health.
- Avoid fried foods from shops – The biggest mistake that sweet shops make is that they tend to reuse the oil while frying sweets. Once the oil is used then it shouldn’t be reused as it is unhealthy. Reusing the oil leads to creation of free radicals which harm the body by clogging the arteries, causing acidity and heartburn. Opt for baked or steamed options or choose homemade fried snacks.
- Make fruits your best friends – Want to satisfy your appetite this season without getting an upset stomach? Make sure you have your daily dose of fruits. The fiber in the fruits will ensure that your digestive system functions properly. Maida and sugar in the sweets can make you constipated and leave you feeling full.
- Never skip meals – Never go empty stomach at a party or choose to skip an earlier meal. Skipping meals and then bingeing is the main reason for your weight gain. Choose to eat in moderation.
- Eat mindfully – When you are at a Diwali outing whether at home or outside, make sure you consciously exercise portion control. Choose well, eat everything you love and enjoy, but make sure not to overeat all the time. This will leave you feeling satisfied, but not bloated after having binged.
- Some home-cooked meals – Try and get at least one meal at home in between the hectic socializing and dining out. This way, you can use the opportunity to load up on fiber, vegetables, salads, and other nutritious stuff to off-set the sugar and carb-loading that’s likely to happen when you are out celebrating.
- Drink enough water – Sipping fizzy cold drinks during festive gatherings would make you dehydrated and increase your calorie intake. Drinking water regularly is a must as it helps to detox.
- Keep your alcohol intake in control – Have alcohol in moderation. Cocktails which are a combination of alcohol and juices should be avoided as they are a calorie bomb and are equally dehydrating.
Make moderation your key mantra this Diwali. Avoid foods made of maida and excess sugar. Here are a few foods to choose over calorie laden mithais:
- Non-salted nuts and dry fruits like dates and figs.
- Seasonal fruits like pomegranates, pears, bananas, oranges, grapes and avocados.
- Dark bitter chocolates, but in moderation.
- Coconut and coconut water.
Wishing a happy and Healthy Happy Diwali to all our readers! Eat well, eat guilt-free and enjoy the festivities.
