When the festive season approaches, many people share a common concern: how to enjoy delicious recipes, whether prepared at home or at a friend’s or relative’s place, while maintaining their weight and avoiding extra fat. Additionally, those with diabetes, blood pressure, or liver issues often feel hesitant to attend parties or functions during this time. But there are certain ways by following those golden tips one can enjoy festival season as well as maintain good health without any worries.
Mindful eating is essential to enjoy festivities and maintain good health without any worries. Here are some tips on how to enjoy festivals with delicious food and maintain well-being without any worries:
Focus on portion control: Focus on controlling portion sizes of the delicious dishes you enjoy during festivities to help maintain a healthy weight. For those with health issues like high blood sugar or hypertension, opt for foods that are low in sugar or sugar-free, and choose low-salt or salt-free options.
Choose healthy food options: Try to choose healthy food options which are prepared with healthy cooking oil, less sugary one, less salted one such as;
Fruit desserts without sugarHalwas low in sugarMultigrain or millet flour Low salt namkins kachoris, samosas etc.
Replace high sugary drinks with low sugary healthy drinks: Try to avoid high sugary beverages like Rooafza, cold drinks, canned fruit juices with extra added sugar available in tetra packs, choose healthier options such as chia seed smoothies, fruit smoothies with no added sugar prepared at home, lemon juices, etc.
Stay active: To offset extra calorie intake during festivities, aim for at least one hour of exercise daily. This can include walking, jogging, running, or aerobic exercises. Staying active throughout the day helps in managing weight.
Stay hydrated: Ensure you drink sufficient water (at least 4 liters per day) to keep yourself well-hydrated. Proper hydration supports overall health and helps in digestion.
Avoid overeating: Try to avoid overeating your favorite foods during the festive season to prevent unnecessary weight gain.
Detox your body: After enjoying festive meals, consider drinking detox beverages such as:Lemon Water: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon water helps flush out toxins, aids digestion, and boosts your immune system.Chia seed water: Chia seeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids; when soaked in water, they help with hydration, digestion, and reducing inflammation.Cinnamon water: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help regulate blood sugar levels and improve metabolism, making it an effective detox drink.
It is also important to focus on the overall balance of your diet during the festival season. Eating variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can add essential vitamins and minerals to your meals. Planning meals ahead of time and keeping healthy snacks on hand can prevent impulsive eating. Remember, festivals are a time for joy and celebration, so enjoying the food and festivities in a balanced way can help you stay both happy and healthy.
Incorporating these simple yet effective practices can help you relish the festive season without compromising your health. By focusing on mindful eating, making healthier food choices, staying active, and maintaining good hydration, you can enjoy the celebrations while keeping your well-being in check. So, embrace the festivities with these healthy habits and make the most of the season without any worries.
(Author: Dr. Trupti Padhi - Dietitian and Certified Diabetic Educator, Consults on Practo)
