How to stay fit during Diwali 2024: Diet tips, easy workouts, tricks to manage stress during the festive season
Navigating through the Diwali season while maintaining focus on your fitness objectives can pose a challenge. Implementing the guidance from fitness experts can assist you in remaining engaged in physical activity amidst the celebrations.
How to avoid feeling bloated, fatigued, and overwhelmed during Diwali 2024? What are the best food choices for Diwali gatherings? Discover tips on maintaining fitness and a radiant appearance during this festive period.
Find tips to prioritize health and manage calories without compromising enjoyment this festive season.
This time of year, maintaining health routines can be challenging even for the most dedicated individuals. Despite the allure of indulgent meals and social gatherings, it’s possible to stay on track with your fitness objectives.
We’ve partnered with experts in health, fitness, and nutrition to provide valuable guidance and support.
If you find yourself feeling a bit uneasy during the holiday season, be sure to check out these straightforward suggestions and techniques:
Tips for maintaining a healthy diet during the Diwali celebrations
Renowned nutritionist and author of The Gut, Payal Kothari, recently divulged her advice on maintaining gut health while indulging in Diwali celebrations to HT Lifestyle. In her words, “The festive period beckons with tempting delights and social gatherings, yet it doesn’t necessitate sacrificing your well-being objectives.
Payal recommends embracing healthier options while still relishing the pleasure of eating, emphasizing the importance of balance.
She recommends choosing nutrient-rich snacks like roasted nuts, baked samosas, and fruit over fried delicacies.
She underscores the significance of moderation, encouraging indulgence in sweets while being mindful of portion control.
Dr. Kiran Soni, leading the Nutrition and Health department at Yatharth Hospitals in Greater Noida, emphasizes the importance of practicing portion control rather than eliminating beloved dishes to sustain health and wellness throughout the Diwali festivities.
She suggests prioritizing vegetables and lean proteins on your plate, reserving smaller portions for sweets and fried foods. To prevent overeating at parties, she recommends staying hydrated and having a small protein-based snack beforehand.
Consider making staying hydrated a priority during the upcoming festive season. According to Payal, ensuring you drink an ample amount of water, herbal teas, and infused water is crucial to detoxifying your body and controlling overeating.
She suggests having a bowl of soup at home or a small protein-rich meal before going out to help you stay on track with your hydration goals.
Discover simple exercises that can seamlessly integrate into your busy holiday agenda.
Staying active during the holiday season can be a challenge, especially when exercise isn’t at the top of your priority list.
However, Dr. Soni emphasizes the importance of keeping up with physical activity during festive times. Opt for quick, intense workout sessions when you’re short on time. Incorporate morning yoga or stretching routines to kickstart your day with energy.
After indulging in heavy meals, go for a leisurely walk to support digestion and calorie burning.
[Rephrased]: Payal suggests opting for concise yet impactful exercise routines, like a 15-20 minute HIIT workout, 20-30 burpees followed by yoga stretches, or a brisk walk.
She advises leveraging family events or social gatherings to keep moving – suggesting dancing during celebrations.
Taking the lead on the dance floor can aid in digesting excess food and burning calories. Another option she recommends is going for a walk with family members. Additionally, dedicating just 10 minutes to morning stretching can enhance energy levels and promote overall well-being.
Tips for coping with stress amidst the holiday season
The festive period of Diwali may impose significant pressure and tension on your mental well-being, spanning from minor irritations to severe anxieties that disrupt your sleep. It’s widely recognized that physical activity is an excellent method to alleviate such burdens. Equally important is the impact of your dietary choices.
Payal suggests adding mood-boosting foods like leafy greens, almonds, and Omega-3-rich chia and flaxseeds to your meals.
She highlights the benefits of soups for promoting a healthy gut-brain connection.
Dr. Soni emphasizes the importance of stress management for maintaining good health, especially during the hectic holiday season. To alleviate stress, consider including foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds), complex carbohydrates (found in whole grains and vegetables), and magnesium-rich foods (such as leafy greens and legumes) in your diet.
Additionally, prioritize adequate sleep and strive to maintain a regular sleep routine whenever feasible.
[Rephrased]: Looking for alternative strategies? “Integrate mindfulness practices like brief meditation sessions or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine, even if it’s just for a five-minute window. Make quality sleep a priority, and allocate some ‘me time’ for rejuvenation. These minor tweaks can help you relish the joy of festivities without guilt, ensuring a harmonious blend of well-being and merriment,” suggests Payal.
