Diwali may be over, but the festive treats are still very much around! From boxes of kaju katli and laddoos to food hampers, savouries and leftover festive meals, our homes are often stocked with goodies long after the celebrations end. getting back to your regular eating routine does not have to mean giving up everything you love While it is tempting to keep reaching for these treats.
You do not need an elaborate workout routine during the festive season. Walking, gentle movement or other enjoyable forms of physical activity can help you stay active even on busy celebration days. “Do not let a few days of festive eating define your overall health routine. The focus should be on enjoying celebrations without guilt, making mindful food choices and returning to your usual schedule afterwards,” advises Divya.
In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, Divya Jain, senior dietician, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, explains how festive eating can influence our routines and shares practical tips to enjoy celebrations while maintaining balanced food habits. (Also read: Climate change and health: Doctor explains how extreme weather increases the risk of infections, respiratory problems and anxiety ) During celebrations, people may eat more frequently, serve themselves larger portions and snack between meals. Festive menus may also include calorie-dense foods, fried snacks, sweets and sugary beverages, while regular meals, hydration and physical activity may take a backseat. Late-night eating and disrupted sleep schedules can further affect normal eating patterns. “Festive celebrations often bring a change in our usual eating patterns. We may eat more frequently, choose richer foods, consume more sugary drinks and stay up later than usual. Enjoying festive favourites is perfectly fine, but paying attention to portion sizes can help avoid feeling uncomfortably full. Choose the foods you enjoy and savour them rather than eating automatically or out of habit.
These short-term changes can affect digestion and disrupt our regular routine,” says Divya.
