With the festive season, resisting sweets and your favorite dishes can be tough. Simrat Kathuria, CEO and Head Dietician at Diet Xperts, shares her top tips to indulge mindfully and stay healthy during the celebrations.
It’s September, and it can be unarguably called the most exciting time of the year! With festivals lined up one after the other, we can look forward to a celebration almost every month. In India, festivals are all about joy, togetherness, and, of course, the delicious food that makes these occasions even better. If you’re anything like me, you are probably stuffing yourself with all the festive treats. Every celebration is associated with different delicacies and there’s a special joy in trying them during these times.
But while the food is amazing, it’s easy to overdo it with all the sweets, fried snacks, and rich curries. And often, it’s not just our hunger that drives us to eat more as there are so many other factors at play. However, it's not tough to keep a check on the same as Simrat Kathuria, CEO and Head Dietician at Diet Xperts, breaks it down for us and shares tips on how to enjoy the festive flavors without compromising our health. From managing portions to staying active, we’ll learn how to keep our diet balanced, even during the most indulgent celebrations.
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Here is what she shared!
What are some common nutritional challenges people face during the festive season?
During festivals, it’s easy to get swept up in the joy and indulge in sweets and fried foods, which can lead to weight gain and digestive issues. People often end up eating at odd times, which messes with their metabolism. Plus, the celebratory mood sometimes means more alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Keeping an eye on portion sizes, choosing healthier options, and staying hydrated can help manage these challenges.
How can people enjoy traditional festive foods without compromising their nutritional goals?
You don’t have to miss out on festive treats to stay healthy. It’s all about balance. Enjoy your favorite dishes in moderation, and pair them with some lighter options like salads or whole grains. You can also make small tweaks, like using herbs for flavor instead of adding extra oil or butter. Staying active and drinking plenty of water helps too, so you can indulge a little without feeling guilty.
What strategies do you recommend for maintaining a balanced diet during the festive season, when indulgence is common?
During festivals, the trick is to find balance. You can still enjoy traditional dishes, but try to include healthy ingredients like whole grains (bajra or jowar) or cook in healthier ways, like grilling instead of frying. Eating mindfully—really enjoying each bite—helps you feel satisfied without overeating. Also, having a small snack before big meals can keep your hunger in check and lead to better choices.
With the abundance of high-calorie foods during festivities, how can one make mindful choices that support overall health?
Festivals often mean lots of rich, high-calorie foods, but you can still enjoy them in moderation. Opt for smaller portions of treats like sweets and fried snacks, or try healthier alternatives like fruit-based desserts. Practicing mindful eating, where you slow down and savor each bite, can help you enjoy food without overindulging. Pairing these indulgences with hydrating drinks and balancing them with veggies or lean proteins will keep you on track with your health goals.
What are your thoughts on the psychological aspect of eating during festivities? How can one avoid the common pitfalls of emotional or stress-related overeating?
Food and emotions often go hand in hand, especially during celebrations. It’s easy to turn to food for comfort or reward, which can lead to overeating. Recognizing when you’re eating out of emotion rather than hunger is the first step. Mindful eating, focusing on how food tastes and feels, can help you avoid emotional overeating. Managing stress through mindfulness or staying active also makes a big difference. Shifting the focus from food to enjoying the company of loved ones can help you avoid common festive eating pitfalls.
What role does meal timing play in maintaining metabolic health during the festive season, especially with irregular eating patterns?
Our bodies like routine, and eating at regular times helps keep our metabolism in check. During festivals, with all the feasting at odd hours, it’s easy to disrupt this balance. Skipping meals or eating late can mess with your metabolism and even lead to weight gain. Try to stick to consistent meal times, even when you’re celebrating. This will help keep your blood sugar levels steady and prevent overeating.What are some strategies to help manage blood sugar levels during the festive season, particularly when sweets and desserts are abundant?
Managing blood sugar during festival time can be tricky with all the sweets around, but it’s doable. Including fiber-rich foods like veggies and whole grains can help control sugar levels. Enjoy sweets in small portions and pair them with protein or healthy fats, like nuts, to slow down sugar absorption. Taking a walk after meals 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.
Are there any additional tips you’d like to share for managing health during festive seasons?
To stay healthy during festivals, plan ahead. Include light physical activity like a walk or dance to keep your metabolism going. Using smaller plates can help with portion control, and choosing nutrient-dense snacks like fruits or nuts will keep you energized. Don’t forget about sleep—getting enough rest is key to staying healthy, even when the celebrations are in full swing.
Were your festive days full of treats and health checks too? Tell us know.
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