Tips to stay Healthy this Diwali

Tips to Stay Healthy

ThisDiwali

By Shweta Kulkarni It is that time of the year again! When there is a certain freshness

Check out our in the air, the sweetness of delicacies is tantalizing our health and tastebuds, the vibrancy of colours is brightening the safety tips to mood, and the brilliance of the lamps is warming the strike a perfect hearts. Yeah, the festival of balance between light is upon us. It is time to don our festive hats and wellness and celebrate togetherness with our loved ones. celebrations this However, while Diwali calls for enjoyment galore, it

Diwali. is also that time of the year where our eating, drinking and fitness habits all go for a toss. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic is still looming over our heads and playing the spoilsport. So, should one stay away from the festivities? Hell no! Wellness and celebrations can definitely go hand in hand, all you have to do is make some wise choices. It is all about being mindful and striking a balance between health, safety and fun. Here are a few tips that can help you to stay safe, healthy, and fit during this festive season and at the same time not miss out on any of the festive fun.

Practice Mindful Eating

Without a doubt, Diwali is the time for indulgence, and it is not just difficult to resist the temptation but is also unfair to refrain from the sumptuous festive spread. So, what to do? Well, the answer to your problem is pretty simple – Practice mindfulness. Being mindful of your eating habits can not only help you to enjoy food but it also restricts overindulgence. Mindful eating is a technique that helps you gain control over your eating habits, and practising it is a perfect remedy to mindless bingeing during the festive season. Be aware of your portions, use smaller plates so that you don’t load your plate with food, avoid second helpings, opt for healthier food options, strike a balance between your junk food intake and healthy food. E.g., if you want to have something fried, take a small portion of it but also ensure that you are balancing it with lots of salad or veggies. Doing so ensures that your cravings for fatty fried food are satiated, while at the same time you add to the nutritive value of the meal and also avoid bingeing. The idea is to be mindful, and it will deter you from consuming those extra calories.

Use Smart Cooking Methods

Another smart way to keep a check on your health during Diwali is to employ smart cooking techniques. Fried food often spikes up your cholesterol levels, so avoid deep-frying and instead try shallow frying or air frying. Alternatively, switch to cooking methods like baking, steaming, roasting or grilling. When preparing sweets at home, choose your ingredients wisely, like you can replace sugar with jaggery in some of your recipes and use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.

Stay Active

While it may be a task to stick to your exercise routine amid all the festivities, it is crucial to remain active during the festive period to compensate for all the extra food you shall be devouring at various Diwali parties and gettogethers. Take out at least 30 mins daily to walk or do some form of exercise to stay fit and enjoy a guilt-free celebration. Take the stairs instead of an elevator, help your friends/family to organise their parties, go for leisure walks post your meals, don’t sit for too long at one spot, dance at the parties… Keep active as much as possible, and don’t let those extra calories dampen your festive spirit.

Stay Hydrated:

Drinking plenty of water is the key to keeping healthy not just during the festive season but throughout the year. Keeping your system hydrated during Diwali is very important, especially if you are consuming alcohol, as it helps to get rid of toxins from the body. Furthermore, it also prevents overeating by keeping a tab on your cravings. When you are craving something sweet, salty or fried, gulp down a glass full of water and wait for 10 minutes. Usually, this technique helps you deal with those sudden cravings, however, if the craving persists, indulge in it but wisely. Having enough water throughout the day is essential to maintaining good immunity, which is of utmost importance, especially during covid-19 times.

Follow The Covid Protocols

Post-vaccination, most people are now slipping when it comes to following the protocols, but to ensure the safety of our loved ones during the festivities it is important to take all the necessary precautions. Masks are still important, don’t forget to carry them everywhere you go. And do not just carry but wear it at all times. Encourage your friends and family to wear the mask, provide masks to your guests, sanitise your hands frequently, especially before eating and follow all the precautionary measures put forward by the local health authorities.

Party Wisely

Diwali is all about togetherness, however, bear in mind that we are still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Don’t let your guard down during the festivities even though you have taken the jab. So, avoid crowded gatherings, get-togethers and maintain proper physical distancing, especially with the ones who aren’t yet fully vaccinated. Remember, a namaste is an ideal way to greet people during the festive season as opposed to hugging and shaking hands. If you are hosting a party at your place, make certain your event is

Sanitisers have become a part of our daily lives ever since the pandemic has struck, however, be careful while using them during the festival of lights. Since most sanitisers are alcohol-based, they can easily catch fire

as safe as possible for the guests. Ventilate the rooms properly and keep the guest list small and short so that there is enough space for each guest to maintain physical distance. Follow guidance issued by your local public health authorities before you plan a party.

Use Sanitiser Cautiously

Sanitisers have become a part of our daily lives ever since the pandemic has struck, however, be careful while using them during the festival of lights. Since most sanitisers are alcoholbased, they can easily catch fire, hence keep your sanitiser bottles away from the lamps you lit during the festival. Moreover, don’t use it before lighting the diyas or candles or firecrackers, as due to its inflammable nature it can cause fire hazards.

So, be mindful of everything you do during your celebrations and enjoy the festivities wisely. Happy Diwali!