The festival of lights, or Deepavali, is drawing near and a lot of us are ditching our diets to indulge in delicious homemade Indian cuisine. But just because you’re excused from your diet, there’s no reason for you to undo whatever you have worked so hard for. To avoid overindulging during Deepavali, here are some tricks to enjoy the delicious food without going overboard.
1. Don’t go out on an empty stomach
The easiest trick to watching what you eat is to go out when you’re not hungry. Just an hour or two before your meal, have a healthy snack to fill yourself up first. That way you’ll be mindful about the quantity of food on your plate.
2. Chew slowly
Take your time and savor your festive meals slowly. Studies show that the faster you eat, the more you’ll want to consume. Remember to chew at least 8-10 times before you swallow your food.
3. Count your calories
You’re more likely to be careful about what you put on your plate if you count the calories of each dish. It’s hard to estimate the caloric content of each meal, so use a calorie-counting app instead. MyFitnessPal is a free iPhone and Android app that works both as a calorie counter and food journal. Check out other health and fitness apps here.
4. Don’t be greedy
Deepavali celebrations often come with an exquisite buffet spread, but remember you’re not the only guest, and it’s not a food-eating contest either! Try a small portion of everything first, and savor in the meal before you venture out for your second round (and remember, a second round is not compulsory, either!).
5. Don’t overindulge in desserts
Indian sweets and candies are extremely hard to resist, so of course you can have some. However, indulging in too much sweet foods can leave you feeling a little more bloated than usual. So,cut down the portions of your desserts and drink plenty of water.
