Celebrate Without the Bloat: Smart Eating Tips for a Guilt-Free Diwali

In India, the second half of the year celebrates festivals round-the-clock. It starts with Rakshabandhan and Janmashtami and continues till the year-end with many significant festivals observed by the Hindu culture. The biggest one – is the festival of lights: Diwali. Naturally, the festive spirit is in full swing. Diwali parties start as early as three weeks before the actual festival and it’s a series of savouring guilt free food delectables and celebratory drinking with friends and family. Like everyone else, I love this time of the year too – dressing up two or three times a week, devouring a considerable amount of festive Indian spread, minus my least favourite part – enjoying all those snacks and then regretting the weight gain and bloated tummy.

This year, instead of letting the celebrations shake my diet, I’ve decided to adopt some mindful tips to ensure I don’t compromise on health. When we’re either fasting and skipping meals or eating junk food constantly, it’s easy to bloat. By fostering healthy eating habits, the body gets nutritious food which will help maintain our energy level, control mood swings, and cultivate a sense of discipline. I know it’s easy to get carried away and feel like you only live once so why not hog at dinner, but it is at this time that if you maintain your diet, you can truly enjoy the festivities.

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Common Health Problems During Festivities

Overeating sweets and fried food coupled with cocktails and a lack of an exercise routine can lead to acidity, headaches and bloating. These common health concerns during this time can also be caused by fasting or skipping meals in addition to an improper eating schedule. Weight gain and those negative feelings of regret, guilt and self-blame follow soon. We’ve all been there. This Diwali, smart eating that demands mindful practices will get you through the festivities without compromising on health.

Practical Tips on How to Enjoy Festive Treats Mindfully

I’m obsessed with planning. From frantically scheduling my holiday itinerary with spreadsheets to even booking appointments to run errands on the weekend, I feel most comfortable and relaxed when I’ve planned it all out. Sure, many times it’s impossible to plan, and that’s okay. You don’t need to be a maniac like me to program your diet for Diwali. You can, however, keep these things in mind during the next couple of days. Scroll on to find out.

Tip #1 Hydrate With Fluids Other Than Water

The easiest way to overeat or feel that you’re hungry is by not taking in adequate amounts of fluids throughout the day. Particularly this Diwali, the weather is proving to be unpredictable. So, hydrate kids.

1. Incorporate breakfast smoothies instead of juices. Fruit juice will shoot up your blood sugar. Smoothies, as we know, will keep you feeling full for a longer duration. You can enrich them with nutrition by adding dry fruits like dates and using lactose-free or low-fat milk to control the calorie intake.
2. Replace evening snacking with fruits. If your schedule and lifestyle permits, go for a fruit salad alongside a small plate of your regular lunch diet in place of a large-sized meal.

Tip #2 Opt For Healthier Alternatives

There’s no point in sacrificing your favourite Diwali sweets and savoury snacks if your heart isn’t in it. You can however switch to healthier alternatives.

1. Replace some of the traditional fried snacks with baked multigrain chips.
2. Opt for grilled vegetables at the snacks counter at Diwali parties.
3. If you’re playing host, elevate your dessert game with yoghurt parfait along with a smaller variety of traditional Indian sweets. You can also swap maida for whole wheat in recipes and replace sugar with honey, jaggery, or dates.
4. Snack with dry fruits throughout the day or even at gatherings.
5. You can select milk-based desserts like Kheer and Shrikhand, among other delicious choices. These can easily be prepared at home and are a rich source of protein in the form of indulgence.

Tip #3 Stick to Small Portions

I know it’s exciting to see a deliciously appealing festive spread and indulge in the delectability of each morsel, but we must be careful about our portion size. For instance, I love trying out everything on the menu but I cannot possibly do that without overeating. So, I start with just one small piece of each snack that’s being served. That way I get to taste it all without overeating. I don’t move to the main course after this unless I’m hungry. In case you are, take small portions of just three food items from the main course. Pick any one option from the dessert table. Again, there is no hard and fast rule here, but I’d suggest trying this out at one gathering and seeing the difference it made. Then you can make your routine.

Tip #4 Try And Slip in a Workout at Least 3-4 Times a Week to Burn The Calories You Just Ate

There is no alternative to burning calories than working out. Sorry! However, You can choose the kind of workout depending on the available time, place and mood. HIIT is a popular choice as you can slip in a quick 20-minute circuit and come out stronger. It’ll get your heart rate up which plays an important role in burning calories and fat. If it’s possible to do a proper full body workout with or without weights – nothing like it. When you’re not in the mood to work, don’t create guilt or force yourself. It’s okay. You can do a light yoga session on these days or follow a dance workout on YouTube for an endorphin rush.

Tip #5 Balance Your Meals

Instead of going all out at all three meals, why not try balancing it? Say you have back-to-back Diwali parties to attend this week. You can do small bits like making sure you eat light throughout the day by incorporating the above tips. Eat breakfast and lunch at home to balance it out when you’re relishing those rasgullas at night (remember portion size!) Perhaps replace your regular lunch with a salad and add lean protein.

Remember balance is key. Don’t miss out on festive snacking and do it without guilt-tripping yourself. Just listen to your body and its needs and alter your meals and lifestyle accordingly. Wishing you a healthy, bloat-free and happy Diwali!