While many may await the festive season to binge on desserts and delicacies, there are also those who are already fretting about the overload of calories and extra hours they may have to spend in the gym to compensate for that.
To avoid successive cheat days, health freaks are approaching their fitness trainers, dieticians, and nutritionists for a ‘Diwali-specific’ diet plan that allows them “mindful indulgence.”
These diet plans are devised after assessing one’s workout pattern, food and lifestyle habits and how many Diwali parties or social gatherings one would be attending is also taken into consideration, say health experts.
Dieticians suggest that one must plan in advance and know that portion control is the key to staying healthy while enjoying festivities. “When I am making a Diwali-specific diet chart, I do ask clients how many times they will be going out, the kind of menu that will be available at the party. Few basic things one should keep in mind are, control your carb intake, instead add more protein and fiber options in your plate, go for steamed or baked food and avoid fried snacks, like grilled paneer, broccoli, veggie sticks with healthy dips. Avoid sugary drinks, aerated drinks and packed juices, instead look for healthy alternatives if available,” says Dr Komal Malik, head-dietician, Asian Hospital, Faridabad. “I always suggest that never go out for a party hungry so that you do not end up over indulging. Also, continue with your regular workout and follow your diet regime the next day.”
“We do a two-day detox plan post Diwali. In this we include fruits, nuts, yogurt, seeds with loads of coconut water, lemon water and other infused waters,” shares Apoorvi Sethi, fitness expert and health coach. ‘Portion control is the key when it comes to mithais’
(Photo courtesy: pexels.com)
(Photo courtesy: pexels.com)
The reason why many health freaks are excessively conscious about their diet around Diwali is that avoiding mithais is almost impossible. Dieticians say that one should have mithai but remember that portion control is the key. “For example, instead of gulab jamun, have phirni or coconut laddoo prepared without khoya. Avoid white sugar and have jaggery-based desserts like chikki with nuts and jaggery. With any kind of dessert one should keep in mind that portion control is important,” says Dr Komal Malik. “I do not ask people to replace mithai but I suggest they have it in moderation. Have any one mithai that you want and keep that to 1-2 pcs. Do not mix multiple ones or add numbers,” says Apoorvi. (Source: The Times of India)
How to make your Diwali party healthier
A Diwali diet plan
