As the festive period of Navratri comes to a closure, it is time to relook our dietary pattern.
It is also a tricky time. Most people either fast, which if done correctly, can help detox, while some people gorge on unhealthy, fried and heavy food. After all, it is festive time and getting carried away is natural.
Unfortunately, the indulgences becomes even more, as Diwali is now in sight and there is a continuity of celebrations. Even the food meant to be consumed during fasting, is fried, sugary and calorie infested.
So, as the festive nine days end, and we await Diwali, it is time to relook, rethink and follow a plan to control the food intake. Let your intake be measured.
Here’s a detox diet plan that can help.
Eat light and healthy –
Outings, parties etc do take a toll on you. Heavy eating cannot be avoided. Hence, at least when you are home and away from the traditional heavy food, control your urge. Eat light meals, green vegetables, soups, fresh coconut water that are light on the stomach and are able to sustain the digestion system.
Snack healthy –
Fruits are a great snack idea; most of them are low on calories and full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Add nuts, dry fruits and seeds to this. Not only does it help fill the stomach but balances the otherwise heavy food that one eats.
Water is a booster –
The body needs ample hydration. Water, fluids and juices help the body to cleanse and rehydrate. Low calorie fluids like fresh lemon water, for its Vitamin C (a natural antioxidant), and coconut water with its sodium, potassium and calcium, help immensely. Green tea is a rich source of catechin, a strong antioxidant, making it a perfect drink to detox. Washing out the toxins is important.
Milk products –
Curd and cottage cheese are light and good on the stomach. Use skimmed or low-fat milk/curd as it will increase your consumption of fibre and keep problems like constipation at bay. Yogurt with vegetables or tomatoes is a good source of energy too.
Frequent meals –
Don’t give big gaps in between meals. Eat small and healthy meals at least five times a day.
Salads –
Salads such as cucumber, beetroot, carrot, radish, cabbage, asparagus with lemon and mustard seeds are great for weight control.
Our body has a natural detox process which takes care of most of the environmental attacks and effects of moderate indulgence. But during festive times, chances of going over board are very high. The body can, in such situations, give way.
Hence, it is imperative that we take care of it, eat moderately, wisely and efficiently.
Maintain this natural balance by following a healthy lifestyle and eating correctly.