How to Eat Mindfully and Avoid Unhealthy Weight Gain During Diwali

It’s

that time of the year when we meet friends and family, party, and rejoice, as it is Diwali. And it is not just the decorations, but attending parties, dressing up, and indulging in festive meals, making it a merry time to indulge in food and drinks, making it difficult to control overeating. This leads to several digestive problems later and unhealthy weight gain. To avoid these issues, which can lead to regret later, experts say it is essential to keep a check on what comes to your plate, with the help of portion control and mindful eating, so that you can enjoy yourself while being careful.

How to avoid unhealthy eating in Diwali?

Diwali means a wide range of irresistible delicacies, like sweets, desserts, and lots of fried foods – all of which are the common reasons behind issues like indigestion, bloating, and even heartburn. Adding to eat is unhealthy, and junk food, alcohol consumption, which most people compensate for the next day by skipping meals, over-exercising, and detoxing. To avoid this, you must follow these tips:

Eat balanced meals

Opt for moderate portions, including fruits, salads, and whole grains, rather than large servings of heavy foods.

Always eat protein and fibre before sweets

According to research, high protein and high fibre foods before you indulge in dessert help lower overall calorie intake during meals. Before reaching out for sweets, make sure to have some pieces of tofu or paneer, a handful of roasted chana, or even fruits, as they help promote fullness.

Choose healthier cooking methods

Instead of eating deep-fried foods, make sure your snacks are either air-fried, baked, grilled, or steam-cooked so that you can reduce trans fats in your diet.

Always hydrate

While festivals are a busy time, do not forget to drink lots of water – the most powerful hack that can give you a feeling of fullness and even prevent overeating. Doctors recommend drinking a glass of water before you start eating the savoury pakoras.

Limit alcohol and other beverages

Reduce consumption of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, which offer only empty calories and add to the sugar content.

Keep the screens away

Phones or television are the biggest distractions when you sit to eat – and so, it is always beneficial if you keep them away. Always sit at the dining table with your family or friends to eat and indulge more in talking than watching something on your screens.

Stay active

Keep yourself active by doing physical activity and daily workouts. Do not skip your exercise or laze around, as it can make you gain unnecessary kilos. Even a simple walk together with family can get your mind off food and allow you to bond with your loved ones.

Prioritise sleep

Not only unhealthy eating, but not getting enough sleep can also lead to weight gain. Sleep restriction may increase your hunger hormone levels, leading to higher calorie intake. Further, inadequate sleep has been linked to lower metabolism.