Festivals go hand-in-hand with sweets, fried and spicy foods in every culture. The most exciting part of any festival is the scrumptious food, that makes every festival so memorable. During festive season, days often begins and ends with a sweet, delicately prepared at home with loads of patience and love. This year Diwali is more special, celebration without covid tensions and it all sums up to eating, laughing and more eating. People generally tend to (over) consume foods with high sugar content, spices, and fat THAT CAUSES.
AFTER-EFFECTS OF FESTIVAL BINGE EATING:
· GAS AND CONSTIPATION
· WEIGHT GAIN
· AFFECTS GUT HEALTH– ACIDITY, REFLUX
· ACNE
· INCREASE RISK OF DIABETES
· INCREASE IN CHOLESTEROL LEVEL, thereby creating a need to detox post festival.
STEPS TO DETOX POST DIWALI
SLEEP- During Diwali, most people stay up till late at night, attending parties or hanging out with friends, which affects the duration and maybe even the quality of sleep. Sleep is an important aspect of detoxification as it allows the body to recover and recharge itself while removing toxic waste accumulated over the day.
EXERCISE–Something as simple as a walk, cycling, or bodyweight exercises at home is enough to help you burn those extra calories intake
Eat probiotics-Probiotic foods like yogurt and kefir increase the number of good bacteria, which help in fighting harmful bacteria, thus maintaining optimum gut health.
Eat natural sugars instead of artificial sugars-Go for natural sugars such as fruits, jaggery, berries, or honey, which apart from being lower in calories, also provide several health benefits.
Eat lots of fruits- Vitamins and minerals act as building blocks to cells, fibre helps to eliminate toxins that line up on the intestinal wall, and antioxidants prevent cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Drink lots of water –Five days’ worth of Diwali food is enough to fill your body with several toxins. Drinking water helps to flush out all excess fat and sugar, which clears up the system enough so that nutrients from other foods can reach all organs. Try to drink at least 2-3 litres every day.
Drink detox drinks-Usually people associate detox drinks with fancy concoctions made with various ingredients. However, a detox drink can be as simple as a glass of lemon water or a cup of green tea. These simple yet effective drinks help in getting rid of the effects of Diwali food by aiding weight loss and improving digestion. So, try to drink a healthy detox drink at least once a day.
Avoid processed foods- Processed foods are loaded with fat, sugar, hydrogenated oils, salt, and many calories.
Avoid outside food-A lot of food during Diwali comes from outside, and it is never a good idea to eat so much outside food. The use of oil, sugars, artificial flavors, and not to mention the quality and hygiene of a restaurant are major concerns when it comes to good health. Post-Diwali, avoid eating food from outside, and stick to the more viable ‘ghar ka khana’, sticking to healthy and tasty food made in your kitchen.
SHARED SOME FOODS AND RECIPES TO DETOX YOUR SELF-
ALOE VERA AND TURMERIC:
The aloe Vera is proven to clean toxins from the liver. It also decreases irritation in the stomach and intestine. Turmeric is an extraordinary spice in terms of health benefit. It has anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant properties that fight inflammation and can contribute to healthy digestion. Mix a spoon of Aloe Vera gel (freshly obtained from leaf is preferred) with quarter spoon of turmeric in warm water. Enjoy this drink to detox post festival binge eating.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:
Apple cider vinegar is fermented food which adds good bacteria to the gut. It gives good dose of enzymes, supports healthy immune system, promotes pH (acidity) balance in the body, aids healthy digestion, helps in removing toxins from body. Add one table spoon of ACV to the warm water, for best results drink this in the morning empty stomach.
GARLIC:
Garlic contains organo- sulfur compounds (OSCs), which make it the perfect detoxification supplement. It is not only anti-viral, anti-bacterial and antibiotic but it also contains a chemical called allicin which promotes the production of white blood cells and helps fight against toxins. Selenium, a mineral present in garlic can cleanse the liver of toxins too.
LEMON WATER
This is the perfect start to any detox programme. Also, it’s easy to make – all you have to do is squeeze half a lemon in one glass of lukewarm water. Therefore, have this on waking up and half an hour before all meals. It is a great alkaliser and helps flush out toxins. It also improves digestion, prevents constipation, and helps the liver function, which in turn helps the digestive system break down complex foods better.
CLEANSING SOUP- Ingredients- /MEAL REPLACEMENT
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (green beans, onions, cabbage, red-yellow peppers)
- 1/2 cup assorted root vegetables (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup boiled chana or rajma
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups vegetable stock or water
Method – Pressure cook the root veggies with water for 1 whistle. Then, add the other veggies except spinach, and boil for few minutes. Season the vegetables with the above-mentioned spices and beans. Next, allow it to adopt the flavours, and slowly pour in the stock and let it simmer with a covered lid for about 15-20 minutes. Lastly add the spinach and lemon juice, and enjoy piping hot!
Benefits -This soup (more like a stew) is great for a post Diwali detox-friendly meal. The vegetables contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals as well as phytonutrients. So, these increase immunity and help ward off infections after consuming empty calorie and taxing festive foods. Moreover, the fiber helps in cleansing the digestive system and is a delicious & filling meal as well.
DETOX SALAD- as meal replacement
Ingredients
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup red cabbage, cut into strips
- 1 cup-coloured peppers, cubed
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
- 1/3RD CUP low-fat paneer cubes OR TOFU
- 1 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (til)
- 1 tsp pumpkin or melon seeds
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method- Mix all the ingredients to make a power-packed and delicious salad.
Benefits- This salad is full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich foods. Carrots, for instance, are a good source of beta-carotene and antioxidants, while broccoli is a strong source of fiber, vitamin C and one of the best foods for stress relief as well. Along with these, seeds are rich in minerals and good fats.
OATMEAL WITH NUTS AND FRUIT/ as meal replacement
Ingredients
- 30 gm oats
- 180 ml skim milk/curd
- 1 apple or banana, chopped
- 5-7 almonds, chopped
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
Method- Boil oats with milk for a minute or soak in curd for half an hour. Then add the remaining ingredients and enjoy this perfect detoxifying breakfast.
Benefits-Oats are rich in dietary fiber, which plays a role in modulating the immune system. The protein-carb combo is a great post-diwali detox breakfast which gives energy and stamina to get back to your routine after slacking off during the holiday season.
SPROUTS BOWL/meal replacement-
Ingredients
- ½ cup moong bean sprouts, par boiled with haldi and a pinch of salt
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cup of tomato, cucumber, onion salad
- 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp coriander leaves
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp chaat masala
Method- Mix all the ingredients and eat as a snack or a satisfying meal.
Benefits- Moong beans can help clear heat and toxins from the body. They are low in calories and rich in fiber. These beans also contain vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. The proteins, tannins and flavonoids in moong beans are also considered effective for binding to and clearing pesticides. Also, heavy metals like mercury and lead from the body.
GREEN TEA SMOOTHIE/ Mid meal
Ingredients
- 1 cup green tea, brewed and chilled
- 1/2 cup spinach or mint leaves
- 1/2 apple or pear
- 1 tbsp yogurt
- Ice