October to December is the months filled with ecstatic celebrations all around the globe. It all starts with Diwali the festival of lights and the beautiful wedding ceremonies and ends with Christmas and the New Years Eve. All festivals bring with it the joy of the festival and ceremonious food that is awaited all year long. While savouring the food, be careful! You don’t want your weight tipping to the wrong side of the scale. Also, New Years does not have to be about a big bulge. Here are some useful health tips that will prevent weight gain and make you the center of attraction this Season:
· Eat Wise, Drop a Size
Even while attending parties and weddings, one can still maintain a healthy lifestyle by
§ A healthy wholesome breakfast (Upma, wheat bread sandwich, besan chilas), which will prevent you from overindulging throughout the day.
§ Indulge in free foods in between the meals like lemon water, buttermilk, green tea, fruits and yoghurt. These foods will keep you energetic and active.
§ Avoid fasting and feasting. Do not stay hungry for long, instead try to have small frequent meals or you will end up eating extra high calorie foods.
§ Control portion size. Take small servings on your plate.
§ Choose grilled chicken/fish or baked/grilled/steamed vegetables over batter fried foods. Instead of fried snacks, pick up handful of dry-fruits, as they are packed with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
· Happiness in Every Bite
Everyone tries to indulge in a bit of sweets during the season.
§ Select dark chocolate as it contains beneficial antioxidants, less sugar and is free of additives.
§ While indulging in sweets, make sure it is done to moderation.
§ Avoid fried and sugar laden sweets like gulab jamun and kajukatli, instead opt for rasgulla, pedas or rice kheer.
§ Curb those desert pangs with options like a bowl of fruits or low calorie yogurts.
· Party “Patrol”
Most of the celebrations are often considered incomplete without a glass of liquor as accompaniment. While you cannot steer clear from alcohol. Keep in mind the following while consuming alcohol
§ Opt for white or red wine over cocktails or mock tails.
§ Always start with a small measure of alcohol for e.g. start with 30 ml and slowly increase to 45 ml.
§ Keep yourself well hydrated. Make sure to have enough water at regular intervals. Do not confuse thirst with hunger.
§ It is very important to snack before you drink. You can include snacks like nuts (Almonds, Walnuts), seeds (Hemp, Chia and Flaxseeds), Salted veggies or Roasted/Boiled chana.
§ Pre dinner bites are a great way to keep your glucose levels stable. You can include options like bowl of sprouts, milk shake, egg white salad, sweet potato, whole wheat bread sandwich.
· Post party or wedding
§ Eat a wholesome breakfast (a bowl of cereal with a handful of raisins or fruit platter)
§ Maintain water intake (12-15 glasses of water)
§ Munch on foods high in potassium (bananas, apricots and pumpkin) and water (cucumbers, celery and melon) to flush the excess water out of your cells and reduce bloating.
§ Try to have a fruit slush or smoothie to maintain electrolytes lost due to the diuretic effects of alcohol.
§ Try not to skip your exercise even if it is just a walking session.
WRITTEN BY: NUTRITIONIST MS. HARPREET PASRICHA (DIRECTOR OF DIET DR CLINIC POWERED BY HARPREET PASRICHA)