Diwali is the time for fun and ..inevitably the eats !   All that rich food and mindless eating can add to the weight woes ..and can be a huge setback for those trying hard to lose weight.  Here are some tips on staying on track and avoid putting on as many kilos as possible .

1. Include fun activities like dancing or outdoor games

Festivities need not be all about eating, eating and more eating.  Parties can be made more interesting with themes, outdoor activities and dancing.  One hour of any kind of dancing can burn up to 700 calories. So, invite friends and family, and dance away to your favourite music.

2. Cook low calorie, low fat dishes

Festive dishes tend to be super rich in fats, sugars and unfortunately, calories!  To lower the calorie burden, replace full fat milk with skimmed or double toned milk while cooking milk based sweets or desserts. Use less ghee or butter, and stock up your recipe book with low fat and low calorie recipes (Read up “5 guilt free sweets” for more options on low calorie sweets).  Bake savouries instead of frying (samosa, patties, french fries can be baked or air fried)

3. Shopping can burn calories

Make sure you walk as much as you can while shopping for gifts, clothes or crackers.  One hour of shopping can burn anywhere between 200 to 400 calories.  Park your vehicle away and walk to the shopping area.  This will resolve parking issues as well !

4. Control portion sizes

Mindless eating is often the culprit behind the weight gain immediately after festivals.  Control portion sizes, limit servings to one and drink lots of fluids before eating , to avoid being super hungry.

5. Gift away those sweets

There will always be leftovers and sweets exchanged during Diwali.  Be generous and gift those away to maids, orphanages or other charitable organizations.  You not only light up their day, but will also lighten up the weight load on your waist !

6. Stick to one drink 

 If you must have alcohol during parties, stick to just one drink.  Alcohol is loaded with 7 calories per ml, and is as bad as fats in terms of being high on calories.   

7. Stay active before, during and after the festival

Since you know you will be prone to adding the kilos during the festival, plan your activity levels before ,during and after the festival.  Stay as active as possible,  run, hit the gym or just take a brisk walk twice a day before, during and after the festival.

While it is not easy to stay on track given the temptations during Diwali, it is not impossible either !  All it takes is a little discipline and planning.  By cutting down on food and donating whatever you can, you will not only avoid wastage, your waist will thank you too !