Festivals are synonymous to binge eating. Here are tips from clinical nutritionist Pooja Makhija, dietician Karishma Chawla and fitness and health professional Rupali Sim Vaid to bail you out...
-Use artificial sweetener sparingly. Instead, use sugar substitutes like dates or anjeer in mithais, kheer and other Indian sweet preparations at home.
-In terms of calories, gur, honey, raw sugar, brown sugar all have the same number, just like white refined sugar thus using them as a substitute is not making your dish any healthier.
-All fitness goals are achieved through one formula — increase muscle and reduce fat. Just losing muscle mass, means a drop in BMR and an increase in body fat percentage. Hence, eat high fibre meals every 2-4 hours.
-Choose water or coconut water instead of aerated soft drinks when thirsty.
-If you are craving sweets, indulge in the mornings only.
-Snack on nuts like almonds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds or walnuts — avoid staying hungry for long hours.
-Stay away from fatty, fried food. If you over indulge, compensate the next day by having fibrous food, greens and salads.
-Acknowledging and accepting that your usual routine will be affected during the festive season can help you in making some real adjustments to your schedule and you can probably squeeze in some time for exercise.