8 Ways to eat healthy during the festive season
The festival of lights is incomplete without sweet delights. Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals, and it is widely celebrated throughout India. Food is an important part of all our festivals.
While it is difficult to say no to festive treats, healthy eating often takes a back seat during this time of year. But don’t worry! You don’t have to give up all of your favourite treats during the holidays; simply replace them with healthy alternatives to cut down on calories.
Here are a few ways to eat healthy:
1. Portion sizes matter – this applies to both your food and drink. When eating watch your portions and eat more of vegetable and baked, grilled, roasted, foods than red meats, fried and seet foods.
Remember that a 12-ounce glass of beer contains approximately 150 calories, a 5-ounce glass of red wine contains approximately 125 calories, and a 1.5-ounce shot of gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, or tequila contains approximately 100 calories, and drink accordingly.
4. Don’t fry, just bake! – Snacks such as mathis and samosas can be baked rather than fried, which not just saves calories but also are healthier as they contain lesser amounts of oil.
Kebabs, cutlets, and tikka masala can all be baked with plenty of seasoning and very little oil. Alternatively, you can use the air-frying method, which significantly reduces the amount of oil used while maintaining the same taste. This method can be used to cook pakoras and other snacks too.
5. Reduce soda intake – When you go out to drink, avoid sweet syrups, sweetened carbonated beverages, and fruit juices in favour of plain soda or sparkling water. Apart from significantly lowering your calorie intake, it will also assist you in lowering your total sugar consumption.
6. Eat before you step out – Eat before you go out to party. During the holiday season, you may need to go out every day or very frequently. As a result, it is best to eat your meal before leaving and stick to small amounts of non-fried snacks.
You can eat a snack, preferably one high in protein, before leaving so you don’t arrive at the party hungry. A handful of nuts, an apple or salad, a bowl of soup, are all good options.
7. Workout – As the festival approaches, it is important to plan ahead of time for a workout.
8. Nuts all the way! – A platter of festive fare typically includes mithai, namkeen, and dry fruits. So, if you have a choice, go for nuts like almonds and walnuts. Watching what you eat is important for controlling your calorie intake during the holiday season, but so is burning the calories you consume.
So don’t put off your workout, bake savoury snacks, stay away from crackers and spread love!
Happy Diwali!