Indian festivals are all about gastronomic indulgence with endless trays of mithai, savoury snacks at every turn, and late-night feasts with friends. But with the excitement often comes a familiar downside like bloating, fatigue, or worse, a festive tummy upset. The trick isn’t to avoid indulgence altogether, but to be clever about what you eat and how you pair it.
Here’s how to enjoy the season without the post-feast regret.
1. Choose hot and fresh: At pandals or street stalls, opt for food that’s cooked in front of you and served hot. Steaming idlis, dosas, or fresh paneer tikkas are safer (and healthier) than snacks that have been sitting out. Hot food is less likely to harbour bacteria and is easier on the stomach.
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2. Carry your own smart snacks: Don’t step out on an empty stomach; slip a handful of roasted makhanas, trail mix, or a protein bar into your bag before you start pandal-hopping. Having something light on hand curbs the urge to binge on fried or sugary food just because it’s available.
3. Pair Wisely: Balance heavy dishes with lighter accompaniments. If you’re eating fried pakoras, sip chaas or plain lassi instead of a cola. If you’re indulging in sweets, skip the deep-fried appetisers. It’s all about avoiding combinations that overload your digestive system.
4. Hydrate Smarter: Hydration is your best ally when you are on the go. Warm water infused with ginger, fennel, or tulsi helps counter heaviness, while coconut water replenishes electrolytes naturally. Skip sugary sodas because they only bloat you and spike your energy briefly before crashing. Avoid processed energy drinks and large doses of caffeine.
5. Snack Seasonally: Seasonal fruits like guavas, oranges, and apples are festive heroes. They’re packed with vitamins, high in fibre, and perfect for mid-day snacking between pandal visits. A fresh fruit plate is often a safer bet than yet another round of chaat but make sure it’s washed and cleaned well.
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6. Fasting, the Smart Way: If you’re observing festive fasts, lean on complex carbs like sabudana khichdi or kuttu rotis, paired with yoghurt for balance. Add a handful of nuts or dates for sustained energy. Avoid relying only on fried vrat snacks as they’ll leave you drained instead of energised.
7. End with herbal teas: Wind down with a cup of tulsi, cinnamon, or lemongrass tea after a long day of celebration. Herbal teas aid digestion, calm the stomach, and protect immunity during transition weather and it is the perfect way to end on a light note.
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