Health Tips for Diwali

Stay hydrated: While runing errands, most of us forget to drink water. Low water intake can make one feel more tired and low on energy as this inhibits the absorption of other macro nutrients.

Clear urea: The clearing of urea gets inhibited by lack of water.  Urea is toxic for the body; excess urea will only drain one's energy. Low energy levels, makes us crave sugar. So, increase your water intake 15 days prior to the festive day by at least two to three glasses.

Food: Food is a symbol of hospitality and friendship throughout the world and Diwali is one festival, where we spend time with family and friends.  Try and avoid ghee laden sweets like ladoos, kaju katli, etc. Set an example by sending hampers of fruits and dry fruits. Fruits are less calorie dense foods, dry fruits are a better choice of fats, and they also contain a good portion of protein and vitamins.

Pre-Diwali party: Pre-Diwali parties are something one can’t avoid and most parties are incomplete without alcohol and fried starters, rich gravies with cream. Eating a heavy meal and alcohol slows down the metabolism. Avoid this by eating light throughout the day, so you end up consuming lesser calories. Choose salads, soups, fruits, grilled and roasted meats, egg whites, and complex carbohydrates like a whole wheat phulka. Cut out processed food like biscuits, bread, ready to eat porridge etc.

In the night, before stepping out for a party eat a good meal. This will prevent you from binge eating. Also, limit your alcohol intake. Avoid mixing your drinks with juices and aerated waters, which only add to the sugar content and promotes weight gain.

Dessert: If you are planning a party,  choose desserts made at home with skimmed milk and jaggery and honey.

Exercise: More importantly, do not give up on your exercise schedules, in fact for days during Diwali and for a month after Diwali, increase the duration of your exercise by 15 minutes. It is better to stay active and fit and simultaneously keep the weight gain at bay. Do include a few calming poses at the end of the workout to help re-energise your body and mind.

Frequent meals: Avoid consuming a huge meal at breakfast and lunch. Ideally, have more frequent meals, may be eight small meals to keep you going and elude the sugar surge.

Moderation: Moderation is key.Indulge in the festivities but eat right at the right time and in the right amount.

After Diwali: Many people resort to “Detoxification”. They starve themselves to quickly lose those extra pounds gained during Diwali. It’s very important to understand your body here and first access the situation. Is it your weight gain due to extra food intake? Or is it puffiness and bloating due to lack of sleep, rest and less water intake? Or is it avoidance of regular exercise that has caused the weight gain.

Detoxification is good for resting your system and cleansing your liver of the extra sugar, but at the same time it’s not the one stop solution. It can prove detrimental if done without the right goal and extended for a long time.

Follow a balanced diet, eat more veggies and fruits.Consume a lot of fluids in the form of plain water.

Sleep well: A well rested body will ensure the right assimilation and absorption of food and hence this will lead to an active digestibility and promote weight loss.