Diwali, the festival of lights, is all about fun, family, and food. It is a time of celebration, and no matter how hard you try to not indulge in delicious sweets, it’s really difficult to resist the temptations. But don’t forget that enjoyment and health go hand-in-hand. Keeping this in mind, here I am sharing some effective tips to stay fit and healthy even during the time of festivities. So, don’t stay away from your favourite dishes, celebrate healthy Diwali and make it a point to follow these tips.
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Celebrate Healthy Diwali- Avoid Roadside Food
Festivals are all about food. But never compromise on the quality of the food which you consume or buy. Avoid eating roadside fried and unhealthy delicacies as that could lead to a number of health ailments like food poisoning, dysentery, etc. Make sure to purchase good quality and hygienic sweets from reputed and well-known sweet shops or sweet marts.
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Stay Hydrated
Drink water if you want to stay healthy during Diwali. Drinking 10-12 glasses of water daily can help flush out toxins from your body and prevent overeating. Often your body mistakes thirst for hunger. When you are craving a snack and you should not be, drink a glass full of water and wait for 10 minutes. If you still feel the hunger pangs, go ahead and indulge sensibly.
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Use Smart Cooking Techniques
Try shallow or dry frying method of cooking rather than deep-fried. You can also grill your food instead of frying. If you are roasting, use one of the many available low-calorie spray oils.
Try steaming vegetables to retain nutrients and flavours.
Make Your Sweets
Revive the traditional way of celebration, consider making your own sweets. This way, you can control the amount of sugar as well as the quality of ingredients. Always eat mindfully, not mindlessly!
Try using coconut palm sugar, honey or jaggery. Use more nuts to make them healthier. Prepare your kheer with low-fat milk. Squeeze out the syrup from rasgulla which is loaded with sugar and enjoy it in a healthier way. You can try Sandesh, which is paneer based and steamed. Other healthy sweet options are Oats apple phirni, Strawberry yoghurt, Badam burfi, Sweet potato halwa, Apple pie, etc.
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Eat Plenty Of Salads During Festive Meals
Heavy festive fare tends to be acidic in nature, so balance all those rich foods with plenty of alkaline foods like green veggies (spinach, broccoli, cauliflower) beets, apples, bananas, oranges etc. in your meals. Eating salad will satiate your cravings for calorie-laden fatty fried foods. I am not asking to deprive yourself of anything, eat your favourite foods, but eat in smaller portions.
Limit Alcohol
Consider your drinks, they can add to the calorie count very quickly. Excess alcohol not only causes dehydration, gives you a hangover and makes you look tired, but it also promotes fat storage that goes straight to your waist. It clouds your judgment too regarding what and how much you should be eating. To stay healthy, alternate your alcoholic drinks with glasses of water and other beverages. Also, refrain from drinking aerated beverages too as they contain loads of sugar.
Variety of healthy options are available- jal-jeera, nimbu pani, kokum sharbat, ginger lemonade, coconut water etc. Choose your drink wisely!
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Celebrate Pollution Free Diwali
The fumes of bursting crackers can act as an allergen for the asthmatic patient and trigger an asthmatic attack. So, wearing a mask to cover your nose and mouth, when outdoors is mandatory. Sounds of firecrackers create noise pollution and may increase the risk of heart problems like arrhythmia and high pulse rates. Better, say no to crackers. If you love crackers, go for pollution-free crackers. To avoid any mishaps, make sure to wear well-fitting cotton outfits while bursting crackers.
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Increase Physical Activity
Although we find it harder to be fit and maintain our exercise program with all the festive feasts, parties, shopping and travel but still take some time for exercise if you want to stay fit and healthy. Just take out 20 minutes a day to compensate for the extra food you will be eating in the parties.
Take the stairs instead of the lift, take a walk to your friend’s place and involve them in Diwali preparations. These easy, everyday activities can help you burn a lot of calories.
Post-Diwali Detox Tips
Try to balance out the extra calories in the next 3-4 days by doing a detox diet. These post- Diwali detox tips, given by celebrity nutritionist, Rujuta Diwekar will help you for sure.
Be Fit And Fine extends wishes to celebrate healthy Diwali.
Stay Fit, Stay Safe!