Festivals are always the charm of any season. The culturally rich food with a dash of sugar, spice and everything nice can tempt the taste buds. Most of the festive foods include fried foods and sweets, making them high in calories. Giving into these temptations and gorging on the sweets and festive savouries is very easy. Before you know it, you have gained extra weight without even realizing it. Therefore, it is important to watch what you consume and keep a check on the portion sizes.
Some Tips to Keep Calories in Check During the Festival Season:
A platter of festive fare usually contains some mithai, namkeen, nuts and dry fruits. So when you’re offered a choice, choose nuts or dry fruits and eat in moderation.
If you are making sweets at home, reinvent and give traditional sweets a healthy spin. For example, use whole grain flour instead of refined flour. Use jaggery, honey or date paste as sweeteners instead of refined sugar.
If you are eating out and the main course is heavy, avoid the dessert. But, if you have a major sweet tooth, eat a small main course to accommodate a sweet.
Try and eat a small home cooked meal or snack before heading out for festival parties. This helps in keeping hunger pangs at bay.
Relish your treats and eat them slow. It can enhance your eating experience while ensuring the brain gets enough time to send you signals of satiety.
Avoid substituting snacks and savouries as proper meals. Do not miss out on your staples like vegetables and fruits and try to maintain fixed meal times.
As you get busy preparing for the festival, remember to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Thirst can be mistaken for hunger and can lead to unnecessary food binging.
Drink a glass of water before you eat a meal. This helps for a feeling of fullness and prevents overeating.
It is okay to give in to your cravings occasionally. However, it is important to ensure proper portion control. Eat smaller portions than you would and enjoy.
Choose your drink wisely and avoid creamy and sugary mocktails and cocktails.
Ensure you are not missing out on your workouts during the festival season and exercise regularly.
Getting enough sleep before and after celebrations is important. It will help your body and mind to be more loyal to your nutrition plan.
Eat smart and enjoy what you eat.
Happy Celebrations!
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