Diwali celebrations have begun and you must be looking forward to happily munching away on festive sweets and savouries.
While your cravings and taste buds may be satisfied during festivals, it is quite a different story for your body.
Unhealthy eating and no time for exercise could mean that calories are piled up and your metabolism jeopardised. You may find yourself 2 to 4 kilos heavier post-Diwali.
So the question here is, how do you enjoy the festive food but also take care of your health this Diwali?
6 Tips to Balance Health And Cravings During Diwali
1. Stay hydrated: Drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water every day. Dehydration can make you crave sweets as your body may get confused between thirst and hunger.
Choose smoothies, coconut water, lime water, fresh juices, and buttermilk, and avoid carbonated beverages such as sodas and soft drinks. Staying hydrated prevents unnecessary snacking and food cravings.
2. Load up on protein: Eat protein-based foods such as chickpeas and cottage cheese to up your protein intake.
Protein boosts your metabolism and also makes you feel full for longer. Eat a protein-rich snack before you head out as it will reduce your appetite and help you avoid bingeing on sweets and savouries.
3. Choose sweets wisely: If you want to eat sweets, then make sure you do not overindulge.
Do not deprive yourself, but take care of your portion size. Stick to one or two sweets and try to pick sweets that are less sugar-laden.
4. Opt for nuts: Nuts such as cashews and almonds contain heart-healthy fats that are good for you. Again, keep the portion size small as they are high-calorie food items.
Nuts promote satiety, which means that your chances of gorging on festive sweets and savouries reduce considerably.
5. Do not skip exercise: If you did not pay much heed to what you ate, make sure you burn those extra calories off.
You need not punish yourself for enjoying food. However, take out some time for daily physical activity for 20 to 30 minutes, be it a brisk walk, jog, or cardio exercises.
6. Be aware of what you eat: Being aware of what you eat is the most important tip. Eat slowly and be completely present without any distractions. This will help you realize when you are full and prevent you from overeating.
Wishing you a very happy, safe and prosperous Diwali!
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.