It is impossible to resist the temptation of the festive delicacies, but it is possible to ensure you don’t throw your health and fitness goals off the track during the Diwali week. Read on…
The festival of lights, love, laughter and FOOD is finally here — which also means it is time for our tummies to get loaded with some extra calories. Irrespective of how particular we are about our fitness regime and diet; it is simply impossible to resist the scrumptious festive feast during Diwali celebrations. The fragrance of ghee laden sweets and fried snacks gets to the best of us, and we often tend to overeat, completely throwing our health and fitness goals off the track.
According to health experts, while most individuals usually consume about 1500-2000 calories daily, during the festivities, one meal itself contributes to up to 2000 calories or more. Naturally, the impact of all this bingeing is not only visible on the weighing scales but also takes a toll on our health.
So, does this mean one should simply skip all the mouth-watering delicacies? Hell, no!!! It is absolutely possible to satiate our festive food cravings without it taking a toll on our health. Here are some tips that will help you enjoy sweets, snacks and even alcohol this Diwali and also prevent the after-effects of bingeing.
Practice Portion Control
If you wish to relish all the festive treats sans feeling guilty and getting too worked up about your calorie intake — portion control is the key. Since most of the Diwali delicacies have a high content of monosaturated fats, sodium and sugar, it is best to strictly stick to smaller portions. So instead of wolfing down one whole ladoo, break it into half and then mindfully enjoy it, relishing every single bite. When you are mindful of everything you consume, not only do you enjoy the food thoroughly but don’t tend to overeat either. Another way to practice portion control is to take a small plate instead of a bigger one, this will consciously help you take smaller portions of what you really want. Most importantly, keep in mind to avoid second servings. Practicing portion control will surely prevent you from consuming unnecessary extra calories.
Ensure To Get All The Essential Nutrients
Bingeing aside, it is also important to nourish your body with all the essential nutrients that it needs daily, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic where keeping your immunity up-to-date is paramount. During this festive season, make an effort to at least have two healthy meals that will provide all the necessary proteins, fibres, carbs, vitamins and good fats. Perhaps you can start your day with a healthy meal before you began your indulgence for the day. Furthermore, don’t forget to have a portion of salad before digging into your festive meals. This will help reduce your fried food cravings. Keep in mind, while you binge, your body needs proper nutrition to stay healthy.
Stay Hydrated
This is one healthy practice that one should follow not just during the festive period but every single day. Keeping your body hydrated is vital as water helps flush out toxins from the body and also aid with the digestion process. Health experts say that potassium and other minerals in water can help keep a check on your blood pressure level that might get impacted due to all the fried and salty food that is consumed during the festive celebrations. Drinking a glass of water after every alcoholic drink also prevents dehydration, hangovers, nausea and indigestion.
Exercising Is A Must
Festive time and holidays shouldn’t be an excuse to skip your exercise routine. When you are indulging throughout the day it is essential to dedicate at least 20-30 minutes daily to exercise, particularly cardio workouts, which will help burn the extra calories. Practice Intermittent Fasting One sure shot way to minimize the harm of all the festive bingeing is to practice intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is an ideal detox you need after consuming fried food, sweets and alcohol.
Practicing intermittent fasting also generally reduce your calorie intake and boosts your metabolism. Try to binge all that you want during the day and avoid high-calorie intake after 8 pm.
Make Sensible Food Choices
Lastly, it is all about the choices you make. Agreed, Diwali is all about drool-worthy treats but who said you can’t make them at home. Health experts believe that it is always wise to opt for homemade sweets and snacks as they are fresh, light on the stomach and made from quality ingredients. And given the COVID-19 times, it is best to stick to healthier homemade alternatives. Try to strike a balance between healthier and unhealthier options so instead of constantly snacking on fried and oily items like chips and namkeen balance it out with a regular intake of dry fruits and nuts. Instead fried and khoya sweets try to have sweets made with dry fruits and jaggery. Choose nimboo pani, fruit juice or coconut water over aerated drinks.
Remember a few conscious changes in your lifestyle during the festive period can help you enjoy all the festive treats to the fullest. So, go ahead and have a guilt-free Diwali binge.
Happy Diwali Folks!
