September and October brings a time of grand celebrations, from Navratri to Durga Puja. The fun of visiting pandals and wearing colourful clothes comes with this season. It's also a time people link to eating a lot — from Kolkata's well-known Pujo street food to Gujarat's special treats like jalebi and fafda. Bhog stands out as one of the main parts of Durga Puja. It's tough to say no to the feast of khichuri, labra, mishti, and luchis. Still many people worry about eating too much, feeling bloated, or not sticking to healthy habits when they enjoy bhog.
The good part? You can savour every festive bite without guilt if you follow a few easy thoughtful tips.
Don’t skip breakfast
Although it might seem reasonable to “save space” for bhog by skipping breakfast, it usually backfires and makes you hungrier and more prone to overeating. Start your day with something light, yet filling, breakfast, poha, upma, or a bowl of fruit with yoghurt. This also stabilises your blood sugar and keeps you from binge eating later.
Hydrate before you eat
During festival days, we often get busy and forget to stay hydrated. Drinking a glass of water before your meal aids digestion and helps control your portions. You can stay hydrated with lemon or mint-infused water, and it will help balance the acidity from oily foods.
Balance your plate
The typical bhog usually consists of a plate of khichuri, mixed vegetable curry, chutney, papad, and a sweet. You can overload on luchis and mishti, but balance is key. Start with a heaped plate of vegetables and lentils, then take smaller portions of the fried or sugary items. This will help ensure that you get your worth of taste and nutrition.
Eat with awareness
Festivals bring people together, and they often eat while talking. Take your time, chew well, and enjoy every mouthful. Paying attention to your food makes the meal more enjoyable and helps you know when you've had enough.
Also Read: Best diet tips: What to eat to maintain energy from morning to night
Go for a walk
After you've eaten, don't just sit around. Take a short walk with your loved ones — it helps your body process food, keeps your blood sugar steady, and stops you from feeling sleepy after eating.
Have some sweets, but don't go overboard
Mishti plays a big role in any Durga Puja bhog. Don't say no to sweets. Instead, share your portion with someone or pick your favourite sweet rather than trying every kind.
FAQs on smart hacks for feasting without guilt:
1. How can I avoid overeating during festive meals?
- Don’t skip breakfast, stay hydrated, and eat mindfully to manage your portions better.
2. What should I eat for breakfast to prepare for a big festive meal?
- Opt for light yet filling options like poha, upma, or fruit with yoghurt.
3. How can I balance my plate during festive feasts?
- Start with a plate of vegetables and lentils, then take smaller portions of fried or sugary items.
4. What are some ways to stay hydrated during busy festival days?
- Drink a glass of water before meals and consider lemon or mint-infused water.
5. How can I enjoy sweets without feeling guilty?
- Share your portion or choose your favourite sweet instead of trying every kind.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.
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