During the festive season, it can be difficult to stay away from sweets and your favourite delicacies. Simrat Kathuria, CEO and Head Dietician of Diet Experts, shares her best tips to eat mindfully and stay healthy during the festivals.
The month of September is here and it can undoubtedly be called the most exciting time of the year! With festivals lined up one after another, we can look forward to some celebration almost every month. In India, festivals mean happiness, togetherness and, of course, delicious food that makes these occasions even better. If you are like me, you might be eating a lot of sweets on festivals. Every festival is associated with different dishes and eating them is a different kind of pleasure these days.
But while food is wonderful, it's easy to get carried away with sweets, fried snacks and delicious curries. And often, it's not just our hunger that drives us to overeat, there are other factors at play. However, it's not hard to control it. Simrat KathuriaDr. , CEO and Head Dietician of Diet Experts, explains it all for us and shares tips to enjoy the flavours of the festivities without compromising your health. From portion control to staying active, we will learn how to keep your diet balanced, even during the most indulgent festivities.
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Here's what they shared!
What are the common nutritional challenges people face during the festive season?
During festivals, it is easy to get carried away and overeat sweets and fried foods, which can lead to weight gain and digestive problems. People often binge eat, which can throw their metabolism out of gear. Also, the festive mood sometimes leads to binge drinking, which can lead to dehydration. Keeping track of portion sizes, choosing healthy options, and staying hydrated can help deal with these challenges.
How can people enjoy traditional festive food without compromising their nutritional goals?
You don't have to give up festive treats to stay healthy. It's all about balance. Enjoy your favourite dishes in moderation, and pair them with some lighter options like a salad or wholegrain. You can also make small changes, like using herbs for flavour instead of adding extra oil or butter. Staying active and drinking plenty of water also helps, so you can indulge in a little something without feeling guilty.
What strategies do you recommend for maintaining a balanced diet during the festive season, when indulgence has become the norm?
During festivals, maintaining a balance is the best way to go. You can enjoy traditional dishes, but try to include healthy ingredients like whole grains (millet or jowar) or cook in a healthier way, like grilling instead of frying. Eating mindfully – enjoying every bite – helps you feel satisfied without overeating. Also, having a small snack before a big meal can help keep your appetite in check and help you make better choices.
With the abundance of high-calorie foods during festivals, how can one make informed choices that are beneficial for overall health?
Festivals often mean lots of rich, high-calorie foods, but you can still eat them in moderation. Choose smaller portions of dishes like sweets and fried snacks, or try healthier options like fruit-based desserts. Practicing mindful eating, where you eat slowly and savour each bite, can help you enjoy meals without overeating. Combining these indulgences with hydrating drinks and balancing them with vegetables or lean protein will help you achieve your health goals.
What are your thoughts on the psychological aspect of eating during festivals? How can one avoid the common pitfalls of emotional or stress-related overeating?
Food and emotions often go together, especially during festivities. It's easy to turn to food for comfort or reward, which can lead to overeating. Recognising that you're eating because of emotions rather than hunger is the first step. Eating mindfully, focusing on the taste and feel of food, can help you avoid emotional overeating. Mindfully managing stress or staying active also makes a big difference. Shifting your focus from food to enjoying the company of loved ones can help you avoid common festive eating mistakes.
What role does meal timing play in maintaining metabolic health during the festive season, especially when eating habits are irregular?
Our bodies love routine, and eating meals at regular times keeps our metabolism in check. During the festive season, when everyone is eating at odd hours, it's easy to throw this balance off. Skipping meals or eating late can throw off your metabolism and even lead to weight gain. Try to stick to regular meal times, whether you're celebrating or not. This will help keep your blood sugar levels stable and avoid overeating.What are some strategies to help manage blood sugar levels during the festive season, especially when sweets and desserts abound?
It can be difficult to control blood sugar during the festive season, as there are so many sweets around, but it is possible. Including fibre-rich foods such as vegetables and whole grains can help control sugar levels. Enjoy sweets in moderation and pair them with protein or healthy fats, such as nuts, to slow down the absorption of sugar. Taking a walk after a meal also helps keep your blood sugar in check. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help control cravings and keep your metabolism working well.
Do you have any additional tips to share for health management during the festive season?
To stay healthy during the festivities, plan ahead. Incorporate light physical activity like walking or dancing to keep your metabolism going. Using smaller plates can help with portion control, and choosing nutrient-rich snacks like fruit or nuts will keep you energized. Don't forget about sleep – getting enough rest is key to staying healthy, even when the festivities are in full swing.
Were your festive days also filled with gifts and health check-ups? Tell us.
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