Tips for Worry-Free Feasting This Diwali

Diwali 2020 is just around the corner, and it is getting difficult to hold the excitement in. From sweets like Kaju Katlis and Laddoos to snacks such as Bhakarwadi, Chakli, and roasted almonds, Diwali celebrations are incomplete without some good food. It’s Diwali and we understand the urge to go all out and binge on sweet treats and fried snacks, but you need to make smart choices even while feasting. What if we were to tell you that you can manage both your festive desires as well as your weight loss goals together? Here are some tips that would help you relish Diwali sweets and snacks, without worrying about piling those extra kilos, and have a really Happy Diwali.

Homemade laddoos with jaggery and dry fruits can help in controlling your calorie intake. The Diwali staple ‘Kaju Katli’ is also quite easy to make at home and could prove to be a better bet than the ones bought from the market. “You can try making healthy treats like Nariyal and Besan Laddoos. Snack on dates, cashews, prunes, apricots and raisins – they are all good for you.” Homemade sweets and snacks not only use high-quality ingredients, but they are also fresh and thus, are light on your stomach.

Portion control will help you relish all the treats without feeling guilty. Begin with grabbing a small plate and don’t overfill it. Keep a check on the amount (and calories) of sweets and snacks you dig in. Avoid going for second helpings.

Keep up with your regular exercise routine during the Diwali feasting. Practising Yoga or any other form of physical training would help you enjoy the festivities with less guilt. If it is difficult to hit the gym, try little things like taking the stairs or going for a short walk or do a couple of stretching exercises at your desk, there are so many ways in which you can still indulge in some kind of physical activity and burn those excess calories.

As much as it is about the kind of food that you take, your diet is also about how you handle the quantities in moderation. And this is precisely what you need to do while feasting during Diwali. If you have already consumed a high calorie-meal during the day, try to keep the dinner light with soups, salads. The same goes for sweets and snacks too. Excess consumption of high salty snacks and dry fruits may cause bloating and water retention in body. Limit the portions to one single piece or one small bowl once a day. Follow your regular meal timings go for early dinner. That’s the best way to maintain your weight.

Amidst all the feasting, it is essential to stay hydrated too. This prevents any chances of water retention or digestive problems. The potassium and other minerals in water also keep your blood pressure in check which may be affected due to all the salty, oily and fattening food that you indulge in. It keeps you full and prevents you from binging. Drinking 10-12 glasses daily also keeps your skin nourished and radiant through the festivities.

Eating a healthy breakfast rich in protein and fibre will help keep you satiated for the first half of the day and delay the urge to binge and indulge. Fibre takes the longest to digest and promotes the feeling of fullness. Through the day, you can grab some healthy and high fibre foods like an apple or a bowl of oatmeal to avoid unnecessary bingeing.