Diwali means celebrations and feasting. There are different sweets available during this time and it is not easy to control our eating and follow a strict diet. Despite that, with these tips, you can enjoy the festival and keep a watch on your weight too. As I always say, diet is not about starving yourself, it is about self-control and being able to make correct food choices. Do you want to feast without guilt on Diwali?
Here is my list of tips to feast without guilt on Diwali to follow-
- Portion control- One could definitely indulge in sweets and savouries but it is better to take a small piece of sweets (single piece) or limited portion size (1 bowl) per day.
- Distribute the calories– Try eating sweets as individual items and not along with meals so the calories are well distributed throughout the day.
- Eat healthily– Remember to eat protein-rich food items like legumes, milk and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is a good idea to eat fewer carbohydrates when you consumed more fried foods or sweets. When you can’t resist the temptation, eat dry fruits in small quantities to reduce calorie intake.
- Drink water- Also do not forget to drink a lot of water every day to stay hydrated. It helps to flush out the toxins too.
- Healthy options– Try to go for low-sugar and low-fat food items available in the market. Dry fruits like almonds and walnuts are always a healthy option instead of sweets. When you serve sweets to your guests, add fruits and nuts to the servings.
- Homemade- It is always a good idea to make sweets and savouries at home if possible. It is healthy as outside sweets contain artificial flavours, preservatives, and colours. Jaggery is a good option to be used in sweets instead of sugar.
- Stay active- It is important to continue with your regular physical activity that can help to burn extra calories. If you are not able to exercise on a particular day, try limiting your calorie intake on that particular day too.
It is important to enjoy the festival but it is equally important to take care of your health too. But don’t feel bad if you consumed some extra sweets, as it is a festival and hard to resist the temptation. Just try to work out extra the next day. So, wishing you not only a happy but a healthy Diwali too.
Read about 5 Ways To Involve Kids In Diwali Celebrations here.
October 27, 2016 at 10:02 pm
I agree with all the tips.Specifically portion control and water.These two can help us keep a lot of weight issues under control.Happy Diwali Deepa.A very timely post.
October 27, 2016 at 10:31 pm
Yes Amrita..taking care of all this is also very important to take care of health. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
October 27, 2016 at 10:24 pm
Being conscious of what we eat is very important Deepa…You have clearly pointed out that. Wish you a very happy Diwali!!
October 27, 2016 at 10:32 pm
Agree Menaka ..especially during festive season we need to take extra care as we consume all kinds of sweets and savouries. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
October 27, 2016 at 11:06 pm
Agree with you on all points, Deepa. Home made sweets are not only the safest and best option but you also lose calories while making them 🙂
Portion control is my issue, as I have a sweet tooth. But plan to start this festive season.
Thanks for writing this post.
October 27, 2016 at 11:17 pm
I too have sweet tooth Mayuri and its not easy to resist the temptation. thanks for reading 🙂
October 28, 2016 at 12:27 am
Agree with what you said Deepa, but I go weak in my knees whenever I see sweets! I end up having more than what originally intended! Guilty of liking the Sugar Coma!
October 28, 2016 at 10:36 am
Haha.. I know tina..its not easy to resist all the temptations but try making little healthy choices. Thanks for reading 🙂
October 28, 2016 at 7:46 am
Thanks. These are helpful points but I dont know how much I will be able to comply with this. For us the indulgence happens in Durga Puja. So this is a follow up . Wishing you and your family a very happy diwali and a great year ahead
October 28, 2016 at 10:43 am
I know Anindya..its not easy to control especially during festivals and you can always compensate for extra eating by working out little more later..Thanks for stopping by 🙂
October 28, 2016 at 2:59 pm
I too vote for Homemade sweets…and yes, how can we forget Water. Useful tips Deepa ji.
October 28, 2016 at 3:48 pm
Thanks a lot Upasna for reading 🙂
October 28, 2016 at 7:00 pm
Happy Diwali in advance. Normally, Diwali mithai is my lunch and dinner but this time will eat portions of sweet meat for the festival. Great Diwali tips:)
October 28, 2016 at 7:19 pm
Haha Vishal..I guess we all do this but it is always better to take care of health ..Thanks for stopping by 🙂
October 29, 2016 at 3:12 pm
We all need these tips considering that this the season of eating delicious stuff! Well when it comes to sweets and desserts it is hard for me to control the portion size 😛
October 29, 2016 at 11:22 pm
Haha..agree it is not easy but we need little self control. thanks for reading Reema 🙂
October 5, 2017 at 9:32 pm
Water is something I need to focus on! I stuggle to reach the normal required levels
October 6, 2017 at 8:59 pm
Thanks Neha
October 16, 2017 at 9:53 am
Happy Diwali Deepa, useful tips to stick on n remain happy n healthy
October 16, 2017 at 10:18 pm
Thanks Ila