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Festivities – Fun Bhi, Food Bhi aur Health Bhi
- myinsightnutrition
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
The festive season in India — from Dusshera and Diwali to Christmas and New Year — is a time of family, food and fun. It’s the time when calorie-rich sweets, fried snacks, and thodi-si-daaru sneaks in. The day and night fun also pushes out schedules of sleep, workouts and mental recovery. This leaves many with unwanted weight gain, sluggishness, and health flare-ups by New Year.
To kya karen? What shall we do?
You can enjoy every bit of the festivities and still stay healthy.
1. Plan Ahead, Don’t “Wing It”
Why it matters: Most festive overindulgences are unplanned. We eat whatever comes our way because we did not plan meals or exercise.
Schedule Workouts: Block your calendar for at least 20–30 mins of movement daily. Even walking counts.
Smart Meal Planning: If you know there’s a party in the evening, eat a light, protein-rich breakfast and lunch (eggs, paneer, dal, sprouts) to balance calories.
Hydration Prep: Drink enough water through the day to avoid confusing thirst with hunger.
2. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Why it matters: Festive food is often calorie-dense. You don’t have to give up everything — just be mindful. Bas Thoda Sa.
Prioritize Favorites: Don’t nibble everything at the buffet. Pick 2–3 items you truly love and enjoy them guilt-free. Always remember – In a buffet, you pay to get fat and sick.
Portion Control: Use a smaller plate. Remember quarter-quarter-half. One-quarter with protein, one-quarter with your favorite indulgence, and half plates with veggies.
Eat Slowly: Savor the spices, smell the fragrances, enjoy the texture of the food. Really, really, really enjoy the food as though you are in heaven.
3. Move-it and Shake-it
Why it matters: Most people sit for long hours during card parties, dinners, and family get-togethers. This slows metabolism.
Walk it out: Pre-puja meals walk, post-night-meals walk. Pandal-hopping with as much walk as possible. Earn the rolls and pani-puries.
Shake-it Baby: Join the dance floor, rock the Garba, dance the Diwali night. Burn calories and boost mood.
Mini-Workouts: A quick 10-min bodyweight session (squats, push-ups, planks) before a party keeps your metabolism active. Even if you have had a late night, a 20 min workout will help counter the ills effects of lack of sleep. However, do not lose sleep more than 1 day in a row.
4. Manage Alcohol Smartly
Why it matters: Alcohol is high in empty calories, lowers inhibitions, leading to overeating and prevents your body from recovering from stress.
Set a Limit: Decide in advance how many drinks you’ll have — and stick to it.
Choose Lighter Options: Dry wine, light beer, or clear spirits with soda are better than sugary cocktails.
Alternate Drinks: Follow the “1:1 rule” — one alcoholic drink, one glass of water or sparkling water.
5. Protect Your Sleep
Why it matters: Late nights disrupt hormones (ghrelin, leptin) that control hunger, making you crave junk the next day.
Power Naps: If you stay up late, take a 20-min nap the next day to recover.
Digital Detox Before Bed: Avoid scrolling after parties. Let your mind calm down.
Sleep Hygiene: Dark room, cool temperature, light meal before sleep — even during holidays.
6. Mind Your Mental Health
Why it matters: Festivities can bring joy but also stress — planning, expenses, family dynamics. Stress triggers overeating.
Say No When Needed: You don’t have to attend every event or eat at every house.
Enjoy the Spirit, Not Just the Food: Focus on conversations, games, laughter — they’re calorie-free happiness.
7. Progress, Not Perfection
You don’t have to avoid laddoos, skip Diwali dinners, or say no to Christmas cake to stay fit. The key is conscious choices, portion balance, and consistent small actions.
Festivals are about joy, connection, and gratitude — let health be a part of that celebration, not a casualty.
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