India is renowned for its vibrant and diverse festivals, and the summer season is no exception. Summer festivals like Holi, Navratri, Eid, and Ugadi are all celebrated with a lot of fervor with special dishes for each festival. Indian festivals are incomplete without a wide variety of mouth watering dishes. Many festivals are celebrated with the community which sometimes involve outside catered foods too. These foods are more concerning than home-cooked ones.
Mindful eating at festivals can be quite a challenge, given the tempting array of delicious foods and drinks on offer. However, it is possible to enjoy the experience while still being conscious of your choices. Here are some tips for practicing mindful eating at festivals:
Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be attending a festival and eating fried and sweet foods on a particular day, plan ahead. Try not to eat much of such items at home for a few days before festivities, to compensate for that. But at the same time, do not starve yourself to compensate for the big meal. You will end up eating more. Consider eating a balanced meal before you go so you’re not overly hungry when you arrive. Even post-festivities, you may put yourself on a detox diet for a couple of days, if you think that you overindulged. If festivities are going to last a few days, focus on a balanced diet.
Stay Present: Before diving into your food, take a moment to appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Engage your senses fully and savor the experience. Just go around and see all that is on the menu. This is a very fulfilling experience and gives you an opportunity to examine foods on stalls.
Choose Wisely: Look for healthier options among the food stalls, such as grilled and roasted items instead of fried foods, salads, fruits, or vegetable dishes. Ask yourself if the food is worth the calories and if there are healthier options available to prefer instead. Balance your choices by including some nutritious options alongside the treats. Avoid foods with very low nutritive value, for example, palak pakora can be a better choice than French fries.
You may choose lower-fat alternatives like dal tadka instead of dal makhani or palak paneer instead of paneer butter masala. If the festival is being celebrated at home, you may opt for recipes that are more nutritious and healthier. Some baked versions taste as good as fried ones for example baked gujiya for Holi instead of fried gujiya. Whole wheat namak paras are tastier than refined flour ones.
Portion Control: Instead of indulging in large portions of everything, opt for smaller portions or share dishes with friends. Do not overload your plate, take a little bit of everything you like. You may take a second serving if you want more. Take a couple of minutes after you are done eating & listen to your body’s signals to recheck your appetite, whether you really want more servings of food or not. This allows you to enjoy many more dishes without overeating.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if you’re indulging in salty or sugary foods. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so drink sufficient water and stay hydrated to prevent overeating. Again, avoid sugar-laden cold drinks freely available at festivities. Opt for plain water for hydration. Of course, special festival beverages like thandai which are part of festivity, or healthy drinks like chaas and lassi, may be enjoyed.
Eat Mindfully: Take your time to chew your food slowly and enjoy each bite. Take the time to appreciate the flavors, textures, and aromas of the festive foods. Put down your fork or snack between bites to give yourself time to fully experience the flavors and textures.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals for hunger and fullness. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, rather than when your plate is empty or when everyone else is finished.
Practice Moderation: It is okay to treat yourself to your favorite festival foods but try to practice moderation. Enjoy those special treats without overdoing it. But at the same time, do not feel guilty for liking or wanting to indulge sometimes.
Be Flexible: Remember that festivals are about enjoying yourself, so it’s okay to relax your eating habits a little. Don’t stress too much about every food choice but aim to make mostly mindful decisions. Do not be too harsh on yourself when choosing foods. It’s ok to eat gulab jamuns once in a while on festivals if you are a mindful eater in general.
Practice gratitude: Take a moment to appreciate the food on your plate and the effort that went into preparing it. Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the nourishment and enjoyment these festivals bring to our lives.
Stay active: Incorporate physical activity into your day to balance out the extra calories consumed during the festivities. Go for a walk, dance to festive music, or engage in other forms of exercise you enjoy.
Post-festivity detox: After indulging in festive feasts, it is essential to give your body the detox it deserves. Focus on fresh, whole foods to cleanse your system and rejuvenate your energy levels. Incorporate plenty of leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables into your meals to provide vital nutrients and fiber. Hydration is key, so drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and keep your body hydrated. Herbal teas like peppermint or ginger can also aid digestion and soothe your stomach. Opt for lighter meals like salads, soups, and lean proteins to give your digestive system a break. Avoid processed foods, sugary treats, and excessive caffeine or alcohol to support your body’s natural detoxification process.
The festivities are good times for happiness, love, and celebration. You can navigate and overcome your food-related guilt by approaching food with mindfulness, self-compassion, and a balanced mindset. With a mindful eating approach to festival eating, you will be saving yourself from any harm that it may cause. Remember, festivals are a time to enjoy and have fun, but it’s important to prioritize your health as well.