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Celebrate a Healthy Lifestyle This Diwali |
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Written by Anjali Dua (edited by Shereen Mir)
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 Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and spiritual enlightenment. It is a time where families get together, sharing laughter and joy, while also indulging in sweets and fatty foods. As South Asians continue to suffer from heart disease, obesity and diabetes, it is important to eat healthier and be more active to manage or prevent these diseases from occurring.
While it may appear to be a challenge, following some simple steps can help pave the way to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. So, why not celebrate the victory of healthy habits over harmful ones, this Diwali?
Here’s how:
- Find the best type of exercise for your body type. You can benefit from several kinds of exercises such as yoga, swimming or aerobics. Pick the one that you would enjoy the most, and that would help you maintain or achieve your ideal weight.
- Be active in some form everyday. Take the stairs if you can, or walk to places that are nearby. Keep moving to burn more calories and increase your metabolism.
- Watch when and what you eat. Keep track of what you eat and when you eat to prevent eating too much or too late. Avoid snacking after 8 p.m. to allow your body to digest its food properly. Record your daily food intake in a journal to help you track your progress.
- Eat in moderation. Sweets, samosas, and biryani are delicious, but eating too much of them can make you put on weight or feel sick. To satisfy your cravings, eat slowly and have smaller portions of your favourite foods.
- Be aware of your alcohol intake. To avoid excess amounts of alcohol in your system, drink more water or eat salads and other healthy snacks such as roasted channas and puffed rice along with your alcoholic beverage.
- Find healthier alternatives to your favourite foods. Consider ways to prepare your meals using less oil or with ingredients that are lower in fat and cholesterol. You can also substitute oily or foods high in sugar with roasted or baked snacks, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains that are high in fibre.
For more information on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, join SAPNA, follow us on Twitter, and connect with other SAPNA members on the Facebook Fan page and LinkedIn Group.
Have a prosperous and happy Diwali!
Anjali Dua
Prior to her arrival in Canada, Anjali Dua was a diet counsellor and senior nutritionist for a leading nutritional health company in India. She holds a Masters in Science (Food and Nutrition) and has been sharing her knowledge and experience with SAPNA members while working towards obtaining her Canadian accreditation.
Photo Credit: Swami Stream
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