Dietitian Archana Jain shares five tips to keep weight in check during Diwali

As Diwali nears, a variety of festive dishes are prepared in homes. Eating them raises both sodium and sugar in the body, which adds weight and makes it hard to keep the extra weight in check. Weight gained after Diwali can cause problems, and the onset of winter can make these troubles worse. Archana Jain, director, dietitian and nutritionist at Angelcare-A Nutrition and Wellness Centre, has shared a few tips for keeping weight under control.

According to experts, people eat a wide range of sweets and snacks during Diwali. Sweets raise the sugar level and snacks raise the sodium level. Both can cause swelling and bloating, making it feel as though weight has increased. Diwali is also a busy time, which increases unhealthy eating and strong urges to eat something or other, and this is what leads to weight gain.

The first tip is about water. Jain advises paying special attention to hydration during Diwali to keep weight under control. When the body is hydrated, the urge to eat is weaker. Lack of water can disturb hunger signals, increase the desire to eat and create a pull towards foods that give quick energy. Drinking plenty of water is therefore needed to avoid overeating during the festival.

The second tip concerns sweets. Eat less sugar, because sweet foods can raise the blood sugar level quickly. Choose home-made sweets, as they are a better option for health. Sweets from the market may be adulterated and can harm health. This not only raises sugar in the body but also affects hormonal health. Sweets made with certain chemicals can also cause mouth ulcers, stomach pain and digestive problems.

The third tip is to eat before going out. Archana Jain says that if you have to go somewhere, eat first. This improves digestion. When the stomach is full, one does not feel like eating sweets and other items, which protects against weight gain. According to her, this approach also stops overeating every time.

The fourth tip is to get plenty of sleep. Jain says lack of sleep can also affect metabolism. Food is then not digested properly and weight increases. Less sleep also upsets hormonal health, which affects metabolism, increases strong urges to eat and can lead to a habit of overeating during festivals.

According to a study, obesity and sleep disorders are linked. Obesity raises the risk of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea, insomnia and restless legs syndrome. Conversely, insufficient sleep upsets hormonal balance and disturbs metabolism, which leads to weight gain.

The fifth tip is to walk for about 30 minutes. According to dietitian Archana Jain, if what is eaten is digested properly, weight will not increase. She said walking for 30 minutes daily raises the body's metabolic rate, improves digestion and lowers the risk of weight gain.