Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Maintaining discipline in the face of social pressure ....


There are so many social scenarios where it gets difficult to eat healthy, eat vegan or avoid eating at odd hours. I have struggled a lot in the past at maintaining a healthy lifestyle without having to give up an active social life! It requires planning and foreseeing and a sense of humor!
So let's see, Scenario 1: The  festival season is here and there are several Diwali parties to attend! The theme is excesses, sweets, food, drinks, partying, it's a real challenge to not be a victim to the situation and yet, enjoy every bit of the festivities. So, what do you do, to not end up with acidity, water retention and a few extra kilos? Drink a lot of fresh fruit and vegetable juices (with pulp) throughout the day, eat a light meal, low on salt and oil before your dinner party. During the party, graze on raw or roasted nuts, avoid the sweets and deep-fried snacks, and at dinner, eat just one thing that you truly love.
Scenario 2: Sunday brunch (my husband is incredibly fond of these). Don't starve yourself all morning to go eat at brunch! That kind of fasting and feasting done often, will make you store calories as fat, as the body expects periods of being deprived and prepares for it. Eat light in the morning and at the brunch, fill up on the salads without the heavy dressing and sample a few other items. For dessert choose a small portion of just one item.
Scenario 3: Clubbing followed by a late night meal. Well to start with, an early dinner at home before heading out, and get a healthy appetizer like grilled veggies, no cheese thin crust pizza, roasted nuts or a mezze platter to share and skip the late dinner altogether ! Dancing the night away helps burn those extra calories...
And remember an occasional fried snack or late meal won't ruin your discipline but the joy of sharing a wonderful evening with friends and family will be a memory worth making!!!
Happy Deepawali !

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