Festivals in India are an integral part of people’s life. This year with the pandemic and social distancing, food has been the only indulgence to mark celebrations. From the Naratras all the way till the new year, most Indians enjoy the euphoria brought on by the festivities. An inherent part of the celebrtion is the assortment of mouth-watering, rich, irresistible sweets and snacks. But it is important to balance celebrating and health while enjoying these pleasures.
Here are a few tips to help both seniors as well as their families optimise the abundance this season has to offer:
Indulge in smaller portions
Eat small portions of fried snacks, sweets and other fatty preparations. This will help in keeping weight under control as well as prevent indigestion and other discomforts. Also try and avoid a second helping. This will help satiate your cravings without feeling deprived.
Chew your food slowly
This age-old theory works best here. Instead of filling the plate to brim, take fewer things at one time. Eat them slowly and gradually. Savouring every morsel give you better satisfaction.
Go low calorie
While making festive treats opt for low fat or lower calorie inngredients.
– While preparing sweets at home, try using low fat (skimmed) milk and other dairy products.
– Rather than refined sugar, substitute with natural sugar like honey, jaggery and dates.
– Don’t use Dalda i.e. Vanaspati Ghee is to be avoided every time
– These days ‘diet’ sweets and ice creams are easily available in the market. Go for them and feel less guilty
– Use whole wheat flour instead of refined flour for making sweets and snacks.
Choice of sweets
Select sweets like ladoos (suji, coconut etc), kheer, gajar (Carrot) or doodhi (bottle gourd) halwa. They are nutrient dense and have fewer calories than fried sweets like gulab jamun, jalebi, bundi, etc. It also helps to have sweets and high calorie foods in the first half of the day.
Dry fruits over deep fried
If there is a choice between dry fruits and sweets, opt for dry fruits. Even if dry fruits are equally high in calories at least they are not “empty calories”. Most of the snacks and sweets are made of refined flour, which holds very less nutritive value.
Drink water before snacking
To bring in the feeling of fullness, drink water before snacking. This will definitely bring down your craving and will make you eat less. Gulp few sips of hot water after having sweets for better digestion.
Avoid carbonated drinks
Try to stay away from carbonated drinks as they add unnecessary empty calories.
Exercise regularly
The festive season is not an excuse for skipping your daily exercise regime. Continue with a regular exercise routine, motivate yourself to walk an extra mile, if you are lusting on sweets.
Share gifted sweets
Be generous and distribute the sweets and chocolates that you get only for your indulgence. Share them with young ones in the family, relatives, neighbours and people in the area or those who are less fortunate.
Vitamins and Supplements
Ensure you keep your immunity up by consulting your doctor for vitamin supplements that could keep you well and healthy during this season.
Enjoy the festive season and become an Unmukt member to stay updated on active ageing.