Traqade
The festival of lights is here, people, and along with it, the festivities, the sweets (oh, the sweets!), and (although we hate to admit it) weight gain! This is one of those times when the fit becomes flabby and the flabby becomes flabbier. And why not? It’s beyond reason to resist sweets amid such festivities. But still, the cheat sheet will leave you guilty once the holiday hype is over. So how do we avoid that feeling if we can’t avoid the delicacies?
In this post, we shall briefly discuss a few things that you can try, in order to maintain your weight and keep a check on your calorie intake, this time of the year around. Yes! You heard that right! There is a way to fight off the flab without giving up the sweets! But first things first; let’s clear out a few but major doubts regarding tips to keeping off the flab. The following are three most common myths believed and followed by many:
The Don’ts
Skip meals: Skipping meals will only add to water retention and loss of muscle for providing energy to metabolic processes of the body. Besides, large gaps between meals lead to imbalance in the biological clock of the body leading to slower or inefficient enzyme and hormone secretions that are essential for regular functioning of the body. Same thing goes for fasting – don’t.
Vigorous exercising: Always start with low intensity exercise and gradually increase the intensity so that the body adapts and functions smoothly. Contrary to popular belief, sustained exercise (30-60 mins) of moderate intensity also helps to burn fat.
Crash diets: Crash diets may give you results but, believe me, they’re only temporary. Since a crash diet reduces or omits entirely one or more major food groups, it is not and should not be considered the most reliable health solution.
Now, let’s see what we can do to help ourselves this Deepawali.
The Dos
Consistent workout/exercising: Whether it’s walking, running, aerobics, dancing, cycling or any form of exercise, don’t skip it. You may modify your usual routine by either cutting down on duration or frequency. For instance, if you walk 60 mins a day for 6 days a week, you can reduce to 30-45 mins per day for 4 days a week. The point is to be consistent and not stop suddenly.
Reduced meal portions: Reducing your meal portion will help you from consuming extra food. Begin your meal with soup or salad and then move on to the main course. This will prevent you from getting a second serving.
Avoid junk food: After all the homemade delicacies and gifted sweets, it’s just easier to get a takeaway from McDonald’s or Subway for your lunch at work. The convenience, the time-saving factor – I get it; but understand the fact that after festivities, it is even more crucial to keep a check on your eating habits. So the less junk, the better.
Hydrate: Nothing beats water when it comes to body cleansing, and low-calorie drinks like lime soda, coconut water, jaljeera pani, soups, broths, and fruit juices are the best options.
So there you go – gear yourself for your fittest and healthiest Deepawali yet! Happy celebrations ahead!
