Expert Tips On Maintaining Your Weight During The Festive Season

The festive season is the most delightful time of the year, yet it is anything but joyful for many dieters and weight-watchers. Overeating and indulging in a variety of traditional sweets and savouries are encouraged during Diwali celebrations—in fact, food is part-and-parcel of most festivities. While it's easy to succumb to temptation, especially when surrounded by delicacies, if you're on a diet or attempting to lose weight, it's a cause for concern.

It can be difficult to resist sweet temptations during Diwali, but with the proper mindset and methods, you can enjoy the 'festival of lights' without gaining weight. To help you get past these cravings, we got in touch with Asma Negi, a nutritionist and fitness expert based in Gurgaon, to understand how to maintain your weight. Here are her suggestions for staying fit this Diwali without feeling guilty for your indulgences.

1. Stay Active

Diwali isn't an excuse to avoid being physically active. Negi says, "It's tempting to spend the entire day on the couch, watching TV and conversing with relatives. However, remember that taking regular walks, taking the stairs, or even just stretching can help in the long run."

We understand that Diwali is a hectic time, but it is critical to burn off the calories you ingest while you’re on the go. "Remember to schedule time in the gym or at home to do some body weight exercises. Working out first thing in the morning, when everyone is still sleeping, is a good idea. While resisting temptation can be challenging, exercise can help you burn those extra calories," adds Negi.

2. Alternatives To Unhealthy Snacking

Diwali is about indulging in traditional foods. Sweets, namkeens, and biscuits, which are unhealthy treats, are frequently available around the house, especially during the festive season. Negi suggests, "Keep an eye on your snacking habits; if you're hungry and need something to eat, go for natural meals. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other substantial snacks offer no added sugar or bad fats, which both contribute to weight gain."

She further adds, "Avoid street-side fried and unhealthy treats to improve the quality of your food. Consume foods like almonds, walnuts, and cashews, which stimulate your metabolism and make your skin glow. Proteins such as milk, poultry, eggs, curd, paneer, and other dairy products can be included in your meals. Drinking vegetable juice once a day is also a good idea."

3. Limit Liquid Calories

It's critical to practise ‘mindful drinking’ in order to avoid gaining weight. Negi explains, "It is important to minimise your intake of high-calorie beverages if you wish to lose weight. Sugary drinks like packed juices, soda, and other calorie-dense beverages add a lot of sugar and calories to your diet, which can lead to weight gain. Furthermore, excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to dehydration and fat storage."

She advises that alcoholic beverages should be alternated with numerous glasses of water and other liquids. Water is often overlooked during Diwali, but it is important to remember that dehydration causes bloating and weight gain. Instead of aerated drinks, consider liquids like jal-jeera, nimbu pani, and coconut water. Remember to pick your drink carefully!

4. Portion Control

Diwali is a time for parties and family reunions, but you don't have to go overboard and ruin your diet. Negi expounds, "Some people gain weight more easily because they eat larger quantities, but the easiest approach to avoid this is to restrict your portion size or use smaller plates. Fill your plate with a reasonable amount of food using your discretion."

She goes on to explain, "People believe that if they eat less and stay hungry, they would gain less weight. However, what they don't realise is that this leads to low blood sugar, which slows down their metabolism. When you eventually decide to eat, it also causes your body to bloat. In reality, to keep those hunger pangs at bay, you should eat three meals a day, interspersed with healthy snacks."

5. Try Recipes At Home

Many traditional Diwali sweets are accessible in the market today, but they are high in unhealthy preservatives, sugar, and calories. Negi suggests making your own sweets at home this Diwali to keep your calorie intake under control. You can reduce your calorie intake by making the following changes to your recipes:

• Instead of chocolate chips or candies, use dried fruits

• Instead of butter, flavour meals using herbs and spices

• Low-fat milk can be used instead of heavy cream

• Instead of frying, use baking, air frying, steaming, or grilling as a cooking method

• Sweetened beverages can be replaced with sparkling water or freshly prepared juices

With these tips in place, you should be able to enjoy a healthy holiday season without gaining weight.

Also Read: Portion Size And Its Role In Healthy Eating

Also Read: 5 Low Impact Exercises To Keep You Fit