What are the top 3 things that pop into your head when you think of Diwali? I bet they are lights, fireworks and sweets. From hosting parties to attending parties, Diwali is all about good food. If you are someone who is trying to avoid sweets and feel it is tough to maintain a routine during Diwali, this article is for you. Earlier, a lot of sweets and snacks were prepared at home but in today's world, all things come from the market. So, if your question is how much should I consume in order to stay healthy, lot of factors come into play.
1. Know your source of the sweets
We do not know the quantity and quality of ingredients used to make sweets. Along with that lot of artificial colouring and preservatives are used to not make the sweets go rancid. With homemade sweets you can switch the ingredients and also control the quantity of fats and sugars. Moreover, hygiene is taken care of.
2. Moderation
The second important thing is to always consume sweets in moderation. No matter how less the portion of sugar/jaggery/ghee you have used if you consume the sweets mindlessly you are back to square one.
3. Know when to stop
You can always plan one step ahead. If there is a gathering and you know you'll eat sweets try to avoid sweets before and after and that is how you can control the calories.
(Also Read: 7 Ways To Manage Blood Sugar Levels During This Festive Season)
The quantity of sweets can be planned in advance.
4. Plan your other meals
Throughout the day you can plan your meals or you can choose healthy options on the table at a party. If you go all gaga over food the sweets and desserts will be an unnecessary add-on. You can always avoid going to parties on an empty stomach so that you don't binge on food.
5. Stay hydrated
I know you've read this a million times now but hear me out. Water intake tends to get ignored when we are too busy. Keep a check on hydration so that one you don't confuse your thirst with hunger and two you can manage your cravings if the issue is dehydration.
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Drink plenty of water to balance out the sweets.
Ultimately there isn't any number to how many sweets you should have chosen what works the best for you. If you can avoid it altogether, go ahead and if you can't, eat mindfully without guilt. You owe yourself a treat once in a while.
To wrap up, celebrating Diwali isn't all about just sweets. The festivals are celebrated to bring us closer to each other. It is the most precious family time to strengthen our bonds with loved ones to checking up on them. Making beautiful rangolis and decorating the house is a fun activity it itself. All in all, the importance of Diwali is much more than just binging on sweets and fried foods.
About Author: Ms. Prachi Shah is Clinical Dietitian and Consulting Nutritionist at Health Habitat
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.