Diwali, the time of year when our homes dazzle with the warm glow of countless diyas, the air fills with delicious aroma of sweets, and fireworks paint the night sky with vibrant colours. It’s a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But amidst all the festive fervour, there’s one important guest we often forget to invite – our good health.
So, let’s not just light up diyas but also kindle the “light” within ourselves! Together, we’ll explore some illuminating tips to enjoy a healthier, happier, and more mindful Diwali! Are you ready to make this festival a celebration of both lights and well-being? Let’s embark on this exciting journey and find out how to have your indulgent Diwali treats and eat them too, while keeping our health in check.
1. Oil Bath (Abhyang Snan)
On the morning of Diwali, it is a tradition to take an oil bath, which serves the dual purpose of cleaning both the physical and spiritual aspects of our being. This ritual is deeply rooted in the belief that it not only cleanses the body and mind but also has a cooling effect on the body and imparts a sense of peace to the mind.
2. Traditional Pujas and Prayers
During Diwali, families perform a special puja to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, asking for wealth and prosperity because she is associated with abundance and is highly revered.
3. Plan Ahead
Plan your meals and snacks to avoid impulsive, unhealthy choices. Having healthy alternatives readily available can help you resist temptation.
4. Balanced Diet
Try to maintain a balanced diet by including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals. Don't overindulge in sweets and fried foods. Moderation is key.
5. Portion Control
If you're enjoying Diwali sweets or snacks, be mindful of portion sizes. Small servings can satisfy your cravings without going overboard.
6. Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated, especially when you're eating sugary or salty foods. This will help flush out toxins and keep your body functioning properly.
7. Choose Healthier Options
Making healthier choices for your Diwali treats is a smart move. Swap palm oil for groundnut oil, use whole wheat or millets instead of refined flour, add roasted nuts and dried fruits to your sweets and snacks, and switch to natural sweeteners like honey or jaggery instead of refined sugars. These changes can help you avoid weight gain, control blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
8. Food Safety
Pay attention to food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses. Ensure that the food you consume is properly cooked and stored.
9. Mindful Eating
Be mindful of your food choices and savor each mouthful. Practicing mindful eating can aid in recognizing satiety cues and curb overindulgence.
10. Limit Alcohol
If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive intake can result in unhealthy decisions and lead to overindulgence in food.
11. Avoid Late-Night Eating
Refrain from consuming late-night snacks, as they can contribute to both weight gain and digestive discomfort. It's important to allow your body sufficient time to properly digest food before heading to bed.
12. Regular Exercise
Though it might be a bit of a challenge, keep the holiday spirit alive in your exercise routine during the festive season! Staying active can help offset those extra Diwali calories and keep the fun going.
13. Stress Management
Diwali preparations and celebrations can be stressful. It's essential to incorporate stress-relief practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine to help you remain calm, relaxed, and maintain your well-being.
14. Get Adequate Sleep
Make sure to prioritize getting sufficient rest during the holiday season as a lack of sleep can result in making unhealthy food choices and compromise your immune system's strength.
15. Stay Active During Festivities
Engage in lively and enjoyable Diwali customs, such as dancing, indulging in games, or taking a leisurely stroll with your loved ones. After all, Diwali is a celebration of togetherness and joy.
Key Takeaway:
- Diwali is the festival of lights, joys, rituals and celebrations with sweets, savouries and deserts.
- Start your day with traditional oil bath followed by pooja rituals
- Balanced diet is the best option, along with portion control, mindful eating, having adequate water, limiting or saying no to alcohol and avoiding untimely foods.
- Sweets, savouries and desserts are part of the festival, opt for homemade sweets with less oil and ghee, made out of natural sweetener like jaggery, dates or any other natural sweeteners etc.
- Preparation for the Diwali is stressful and we are tempted to eat more calories, so continue your workouts walking, running, cycling, yoga, meditation to keep you fit and burn the extra calories easily.
- Have a restful sleep and stay active during the day and enjoy Diwali traditions with your family and friends.
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