Show yourself some love this Diwali
It’s that time of the year again… celebrating our culture, meeting near & dear ones and being in high spirits. It’s also the season where we all want to look good and feel great but there is an array of mithai, desserts, snacks and traditional dishes just calling our name. Unfortunately, these festivities also usher in a dreaded sense of guilt of giving up on maintaining some semblance of a healthy routine and knowing we will overeat.
It doesn’t have to be that way and here are six tips to help you stay on track this festive season, so you can soak in all those good vibes without the guilt.
1) Our good friend, water: It’s always numero uno on my list and I’ve learnt it the hard way. We get so caught up talking, laughing, boozing and eating that we forget to drink water and compensate for it with more cocktails & mocktails and may even confuse thirst for hunger. Continue to drink at least two litres of water per day and even more if there is alcohol involved in your celebrations. The best way to do this at a gathering is to have a half glass of water every 30 minutes and have one glass of water for every two sugary or alcoholic drinks. You’ll thank yourself the next morning.
2) What you eat and when you eat it: First off maintain your daily routine of eating a good breakfast, lunch and not save your calories for an evening binge at the dinner party. Ensure you are loading up on greens, veggies, fruits, proteins and good fats during the day. If you are hungry before you leave home, make a small snack for yourself. And when you head out for your dinner party, scope out the healthier alternatives available and eat that first so you are satiated. Then have a small portion of a couple of your favourite indulgences or better yet share them with your bestie and create some memories.
3) How much you eat: Exercising portion control is the route to enjoying yourself without completely letting go. You should be thoroughly enjoying those piping hot jalebis but take the time to savour each bite and stop yourself from going in for round II. Stay in touch with your hunger cues and know when it’s time to stop. Stop and think… is that feeling the next morning worth the extra jalebi?
4) Movement is Medicine: Even though you may be tired, stick to your regular exercise and meditation regime and if nothing else get in a 30-minute walk. The goal is to not use the festive season and how ‘busy’ you are as an excuse to slack on all the good habits you have built. And it doesn’t hurt that the endorphins will make you feel great when you are out and about.
5) Respect everyone’s choices: I’ve noticed this time and time again- peers, friends and relatives start judging one’s healthier choices at social gatherings, make comments about it and then pressure them to eat what one is trying to avoid. How many times have you been at the receiving end of this? So please don’t be that person- respect everyone’s choices and when they say no, accept that with a smile.
6) Gratitude and the right Attitude: There is so much joy and bonding that happens over food this season that it shouldn’t be something we fear. It’s honestly a privilege that we get to choose what we eat and how much we eat. Remind yourself of this privilege and be thankful for that lovely spread in front of you and people who labour to lovingly feed you. This doesn’t mean you eat to please but give the cooks or hosts an extra hug for it and appreciate the effort. Also, remember that you don’t have to go through all the mithai and chocolate boxes that land up at your door step this season- share it with the less fortunate. Trust me, you’ll feel great about it for more than one reason.
So, go on and spread the love and joy this festive season while taking care of yourself. Happy Diwali!
