Festivals being an integral part of Indian culture are celebrated throughout the year with mouthwatering assortment of sweet and irresistible snacks. But this is also the time associated with indulgences and overeating. The main common highlight for everyone is – FOOD! From fancy sweets and desserts to deep fried foods, there is overconsumption of calories and unhealthy sugars which make us gain a lot of weight.
Hence we have brought you certain important points about which will allow us to enjoy the festivities, eat your favorite sweets and savories.
- Portion Control – Controlling the quantity of the food we eat also controls the amount of calories we consume, hence it is advisable to eat half the portion you normally do. This will keep the weight in check and also help you to maintain it later
- Choose healthier options – Try the homemade sweets and food items like besan laddoos, moong dal halwa, carrot halwa, coconut and dry fruit sweets, coconut barfi etc. where you must control the amount of sugar and ghee. Try to use jiggery as the sweet as much as you can. Savories should be baked, sautéed, roasted or grilled instead of deep fried.
- Hydration – Keep yourself hydrated with at least 3 litres of water, lemon water, tender coconut water, thin buttermilk, diluted fresh fruit juices, water infused with cucumber, lemon slice, mint etc. Hydration will raise the metabolism, remove toxins and keep the circulation optimized.
- Start your day with a light breakfast – To make an allowance of indulgence you must start the day with the light and healthy breakfast like fresh seasonal fruits, smoothies, 1 cup of yogurt or fresh fruit shake.
- Regular physical activity – Inspite of the festive season ensure that you engage in more movement and regular physical activity. If you are unable to find time in walk, run or gym then replace with taking staircase, yoga, stretching, walking while shopping, parking the car away from market and walking while shopping etc. Indulge in sports for a short while if you can.