How to eat smartly during the festive season, as per experts

The festive season in India is incomplete without a scrumptious table-full of treats. Relishing traditional delicacies and devouring desserts of the season with friends and family is what makes festivals so special. While doing so there is always a thought at the back of our mind- how much should we eat without hampering our diet or how much we would have to exercises after eating sweets. Some even go to an extent of avoiding all festive foods, fearing weight gain.

Let us tell you, the festival season is all about enjoying mouthwatering cuisine, not fearing them. You need to make conscious choices and not run away from eating out or at dinner parties. As per celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, enjoying food during 4-5 days of festivals does not make you gain weight. It is what you do all year round that matters. "If you eat healthy year-round then eating out during festivities would not matter much." Even nutritionist Nmami Agarwal stresses the importance of mindful eating during Diwali and other celebrations that follow the big day. They both recently took to Instagram to share some smart eating tips during the upcoming holiday season. Here are some takeaways from their posts.

On most occasions when people have to go out for dinners or parties, they skip a meal or fast so that they can eat whatever they want later. They do this with the belief that skipping a meal can balance calorie consumption. What they are not aware of is that this strategy can backfire terribly. Skipping a meal makes you feel bloated and you overeat later which means you would consume more calories than usual and also feel uncomfortable. Both Diwekar and Agarwal suggest eating guilt-free and following a normal exercising routine on days you have to go out. You just have to choose wisely what you eat when you are out. As per Diwekar, have only 2 starter dishes, and 3 items from a single cuisine for your main meal. For desserts, avoid dishes that are available on regular days like ice-creams. Go for traditional sweets prepared only during the festive season.

We all fear sugar, but what is a festival without sugary treats. The experts recommend not to hold yourself back from relishing desserts, just be smart about what you put on your plate. Both nutritionists recommend having homemade and traditional sweets. "It is better if you can make traditional sweets at home or get it from the local sellers," said Diwekar. These sweets are healthier and nutritious.

Read more: 5 easy ways to start eating healthy and clean today

Oily food items have always been considered unhealthy for health. It is linked with heart problems and weight gain. But not all foods that are deep-fried are unhealthy. It all depends on how much you eat it and how it has been prepared. Diwekar advises you not to fear relishing deep-fried food this season. She suggests avoiding processed oil and opting for the traditional oil used by your grandparents for preparing the same dish. "You can eat deep-fried foods guilt-free. Just don't reuse the oil. Only homemade ghee can be reused," she added. The nutritionist strictly asked to avoid air fried and microwaved foods as they can increase sugar-craving and make you feel acidic later.

Read more: Healthy eating guide: 5 tips that improve digestion

When it comes to beverages, Nmami does not recommend taking alcohol on an empty stomach. "Eat well before drinking to avoid bloating and other digestive issues," she asserted. If you are opting for an alcoholic drink mix it with water, ginger and mint leaves. In case of a non-alcoholic drink, have coconut water or lime soda. Avoid cocktails and mocktails at all costs as they are high in calories.

One of the best ways to eat in limitation when going out for dinner is to have something light before stepping out. Eating something healthy and nutritious before a big meal prevents bloating issues. Diwekar recommends having a banana if you are going to someone’s home for a sit-down dinner and a bowl of curd-rice if you are going to a restaurant. Nmami suggests having egg toasts, yoghurt with nuts, salad or a sandwich.

Read more: This festive season eat halwa and lose weight

To make sure that you do not feel bloated, gassy and uneasy after coming from the dinner party you need to do some simple post-celebration rituals. Diwekar suggests rubbing ghee on your feet and having a glass of warm water before going to bed. If you want to speed up the digestion process then have ginger, fennel and ajwain tea, as suggested by Nmami before hitting the hay.

Festivals is that time of the year to bond with people. Meet your friends and family and relish the quality time spent with them. Food brings people together and any celebration is incomplete without them. So, do not hold yourself back from enjoying this beautiful time. Just make conscious choices.