6 best pre-Diwali detox tips from nutrition and health experts

Remaining active in the days leading up to the festival will help you feel prepared for the physical demands of the event. (Photo: Udayaditya Barua via Unsplash)

The festive season calls for late night parties and indulging in your favourite treats and cocktails. At the end of the festivities, many of us are left with bloating and extra weight. To neutralise the toxins consumed during the festive season, it is important to prepare your body in advance.

For this reason, we checked with the experts to learn the best ways to prepare for the festive season. Here’s what they had to say.

“A festival can be a blast, but you will likely be on your feet for long periods, dancing and socialising. Remaining active in the days leading up to the festival will help you feel prepared for the physical demands of the event. To adapt to these challenges, prioritise rest to reduce inflammation, try to eat most of your meals during the day when your body is best able to process and utilise nutrients, avoid high-caloric snacking, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and try to get at least 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day, even if it is just a leisurely walk,” states Prateek Kumar, fitness expert, and nutritionist. Read on to learn some easy ways to get ready for the indulgences of the festive season. Here are six easy pre-Diwali detox tips:

Hydrate 

Hydrate frequently. (Photo: Julia Zolotova via Unsplash)

Liquids are essential for flushing out toxins and keeping your body hydrated. It is advisable to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

“When it comes to detoxing, we tend to focus on our diet, but do not forget the importance of staying hydrated! Drinking enough water is vital to transport necessary nutrients and eliminate toxins from your body. If you want to make this more fun, swap it for coconut water that is detoxifying for the liver, infuse your jar of water with zesty lemons or vibrant berries, or replace a meal with a nutrient-dense smoothie that is easy on the gut and gives your body time for rest and recovery,” mentions Gayatri Chona, nutritionist and wellness coach.

Consume more fibre

Aim to consume more fibre, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. (Photo: Jacopo Maia via Unsplash)

Leading up to the festive season, aim to consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. These foods have nutrients and fibre that support your body's natural detoxification processes.

“Fibre helps in stabilising hunger hormones and keeping you more in control of your cravings during the festive season. It increases digestive energy and aids in balancing out the effects of high sugar, refined flour, and alcohol. Fibre is also the food for good bacteria, which helps to fight infections during this season. Easy ways to add fibre to your diet include consuming seasonal vegetables, soaked chia seeds, roasted flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, or psyllium husk,” says nutritionist ​​​​Lovneet Bhullar Batra.

Exercise 

Do 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise into your daily routine. (Photo: Gabin Vallet via Unsplash)

According to studies, it is beneficial to incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week into your daily routine.

“Incorporating NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) movements, like brisk walking, into your daily routine can help you feel more energetic, reduce your risk of strains or overuse injuries, and thus, prepare you for the festival even if you are sleep-deprived or not eating as well as usual,” adds fitness expert Prateek Kumar.

Reduce consumption of processed foods

Cut down on processed foods. (Photo: Kyle Brinker via Unsplash)

“A pre-festive season detox must include healthy habits to support your body's natural detoxification processes. I recommend reducing the consumption of processed and sugary foods as they can contribute to inflammation, blood sugar spikes and gut issues. Once your gut is cleansed and balanced, it can help you feel your best and prepare your body for mindfully indulging during festivities,” remarks Nyela Kapadia, fitness coach.

Focus on gut health

Focus on your gut health. (Photo: Mario via Unsplash)

A healthy gut is crucial for overall good health and well-being.
“Festive seasons are the time for endless enjoyment. However, our body takes the biggest hit during this time. Good gut health is essential to detoxification. Prebiotics and probiotics play a key role in improving gut health and helping in detoxification by promoting healthy microflora of the gut system. They also regulate bowel movement and strengthen the gut lining, which can help overcome digestive issues like acidity and bloating after consuming deep-fried, sugary, and refined foods during the festivals. Therefore, it is recommended to include a combination of prebiotics such as oats, apples, bananas, onion, garlic, and others, along with foods containing probiotics such as curd, buttermilk, kanji, and kefir, to keep the gut healthy and strong for the upcoming festivities,” says fitness expert Aman Puri.

Enhance your metabolism

Flush out toxins. (Photo: Izzy Gerosa via Unsplash)

A faster metabolism can help to flush out toxins more quickly and effectively.

“Commence your day with lukewarm lemon water or apple cider vinegar for a metabolism boost. Apple cider vinegar boasts a high acetic acid content and is known for its ability to elevate metabolism and facilitate weight loss. Moreover, it aids in regulating blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. Meanwhile, a glass of lukewarm water infused with a few drops of lemon can significantly rev up your body's metabolic rate by enhancing mitochondrial function and triggering thermogenesis. This preparatory step will set the stage for an energetic and festive season,” says wellness expert Vivek Srivastava.