The festival of lights, Diwali, is synonymous with joy, celebration, and of course, indulgent feasts. However, the aftermath of festive binge-eating can take a toll on your health. With nutritionists cautioning against excessive consumption of sweets and snacks, it’s time to rethink our approach to festive dining. Here are 12 healthy eating tips to ensure you enjoy the festivities without compromising your well-being.
Nutritionists advise eating in moderation during Diwali festivities, as consuming sweets and snacks such as laddoo, gulab jamun, murukku, and chakli, which are primarily carbohydrate and fat-based, can lead to an increase in dopamine response and cravings. With rising cases of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver, it is important to be mindful of the unhealthy aftereffects of binging on these foods during the run-up.
One of the common justifications for overeating during Diwali is the belief that food is an integral part of the festivities. The traditional notion has been overshadowed by modern practices such as ordering food delivery and dining out, resulting in the inclusion of items like pizza in the festive fare.
It is important to consider the religious rituals and ceremonies that accompany them. In the past, our traditional food was prepared with the recitation of sacred mantras in the background. However, the introduction of commercial food has diminished the spiritual significance of these meals. Many suggest that a better approach would be to stick to simple, home-cooked meals during parties and limit the order to just one dish.
Healthy Eating Tips for Diwali:
- Exercise Moderation: Control portion sizes to manage calorie intake. Opt for smaller portions on your plate and refrain from refilling it.
- Prioritize Fiber: Make high-fiber foods the main component of your meal.
- Daytime Celebrations: Consider organizing lunch parties during the daytime instead of the evening.
- Pre-Party Snack: Consume a piece of fruit or a small meal before attending a gathering.
- Avoid Fasting: Refrain from fasting for the entire day before a party, as it may lead to overeating.
- Start with Liquids: Begin your meal with liquid options like soup, buttermilk, or lime water to decrease appetite.
- Say No to Sugary Drinks: Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and opt for protein-rich foods to enhance satiety.
- Choose Wisely: Prioritize between a fried savory snack and a sweet delicacy, avoiding both simultaneously. Opt for roasted or baked snacks over deep-fried ones.
- Opt for Milk-based Desserts: When selecting desserts, choose milk-based options over deep-fried ones.
- Sugar-free Drinks: Choose drinks without added sugar. Stay hydrated with fluids like soups, smoothies, lime water, coconut water, and infused water.
- Avoid Packaged Foods: Steer clear of packaged, ready-to-eat foods as they contain fewer nutrients.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise for at least 30 minutes can help maintain weight during festive seasons. Choose activities you enjoy, such as brisk walking, jogging, Zumba, aerobics, yoga, Pilates, HIIT, or strength training.
