- Post-festive detoxification means cleansing and rejuvenating the body after some time.
- Plant-based proteins such as soy, legumes and lentils, roasted chickpeas and steamed sprouts are also good choices.
- Sip some water before starting your meal – it helps you distinguish between real hunger and just thirst.
Post-festive detoxification means cleansing and rejuvenating the body after some time. During the festive season, people tend to consume rich and unhealthy foods, drink excessive amounts of alcohol and have irregular sleeping patterns. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body and feelings of sluggishness, bloating and fatigue.
Following the festive season, with a focus on happiness, Registered Dietitian Sheryl Challis, founder of Nurture Health Solutions and Saffola Nutrition Partner, offers practical and easy-to-follow ways to help you take care of post-festive detox.
Simple tips for a successful post-festive detox.
After enjoying the festive treats, a good starting point for your recovery journey is to monitor your portion sizes. You can cut back by choosing smaller plates, for example, use 9-inch plates instead of 12-inch plates.
Use the plate as a portion guide—load it with half vegetables, a quarter protein, and the rest with whole grains. Sip some water before starting your meal – it helps you distinguish between real hunger and just thirst. And chew your food slowly, savoring each bite mindfully.
Another great way to recover after indulging in festive snacks and sweets is to add whole grains to your diet, such as whole wheat, cracked wheat (thalia), or millet. These grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help curb appetite and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Opt for whole-wheat packages instead of refined flour and for coating cutlets, opt for coarsely ground oats instead of the usual choices like breadcrumbs or semolina. This simple change not only prevents overeating during the festive season, but also adds a nutritious element to your diet.
To address the delicious but calorie-laden deep-fried treats consumed during the festivities, consider detoxing with a simple but impactful change – choose blended oils with a high smoke point and a balanced mix of MUFA and PUFA. These oils not only protect you with antioxidants but also provide a better cholesterol profile to help balance cholesterol levels.Take it a step further and be mindful of your oil usage
Now that the festive season is over, it’s time to be careful about added salt and sugar. Try a squeeze of lime in salads instead of salt or chaat masala. Tamarind, kokum and amsoor powder can help manage sodium intake. Choose fresh meat over processed options and enjoy pickles, papayas or chutneys in moderation.
The consumption of added sugar in various festive treats and sweets calls for quick moderation in the post-festive phase. Unnatural sugars in our food provide no nutritional value. If you still have a sweet tooth, choose natural sugars or low-sugar alternatives.
For example, choose fresh fruit over packaged juices, cut back on sugar in tea and choose plain yogurt over flavored varieties. Check the food labels of any packaged food for ‘added sugars’ or words ending in ‘Os’ like sucrose, dextrose, fructose and limit/avoid intake of those food items.These seemingly small steps can have a significant impact on making healthy lifestyle choices.
As part of your festive care, you should include lean proteins in your diet. Explore options like chicken breast, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, and paneer. Plant-based proteins such as soy, legumes and lentils, roasted chickpeas and steamed sprouts are also good choices.
Make sure that one-fourth of your meal consists of protein-rich foods. Adding any source of protein not only contributes to delicious and health-conscious meals, but also keeps you active throughout the day and improves your skin and hair. These benefits are available throughout the year, not just post-festival periods.
Another step to better recovery from a festive feast is to add some physical activity to your regular exercise routine. Incorporating small amounts of discipline, such as 30-60 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week, can make a significant difference. Take a walk, use the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk while on the phone.
Turn your daily commute into a mini workout by commuting to work from the nearest bus stop or station. These simple practices will help boost your energy levels and keep you fresh throughout the day.
