<p>New Year celebrations lead to an unlimited consumption of sumptuous savouries, desserts and drinks. While it’s good to revel in the merrymaking, it’s also important to understand that eating unhealthy food can either lead to or aggravate an existing condition. Here are some tips for eating healthy during this season:</p>.<p><strong>Limit your portions</strong></p>.<p>Festival food is loaded with calories, so choose carefully what you eat now. Curb your dessert pangs by limiting portions or opting for low-calorie desserts. Diabetics should take care to not indulge themselves and take their insulin doses on time. Avoid skipping meals; eat small & frequent meals throughout the day. Stick to soups and salads; give carbs a miss.</p>.<p><strong>Cook at home & modify snacks</strong></p>.<p>Fried food is full of empty calories and does not offer any health benefits. So, go for boiled vegetables or snacks that are grilled, roasted or shallow fried. At home, you could try making snacks with high-fibre flour, finger millet or bajra, ragi or soya along with wheat flour. Season them with herbs and spices instead of salt. Cooking at home is another way of ensuring that you control the consumption of sugar and salt. Some other ingredients you could try to include are skimmed milk, and flavour enhancers such as saffron, cardamom and rose water. Munch on nuts and dry fruits.</p>.<p><strong>Hydrate yourself well</strong></p>.<p>The thumb rule is to remain hydrated during the festive period. Drink water adequately throughout the day as it helps alleviate false hunger. It will also help in flushing out all the excess oil.</p>.<p><strong>Eat breakfast like a king</strong></p>.<p>‘Breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ is an adage that has stood the test of time. Include healthy and high-protein foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. A good breakfast will help you feel fuller for a long time and prevent craving. The next meal could include soups and salads, or fruits and juice.</p>.<p><em>(The author is a nutritionist, </em><em>Portea</em><em> Medical, Bengaluru)</em></p>
<p>New Year celebrations lead to an unlimited consumption of sumptuous savouries, desserts and drinks. While it’s good to revel in the merrymaking, it’s also important to understand that eating unhealthy food can either lead to or aggravate an existing condition. Here are some tips for eating healthy during this season:</p>.<p><strong>Limit your portions</strong></p>.<p>Festival food is loaded with calories, so choose carefully what you eat now. Curb your dessert pangs by limiting portions or opting for low-calorie desserts. Diabetics should take care to not indulge themselves and take their insulin doses on time. Avoid skipping meals; eat small & frequent meals throughout the day. Stick to soups and salads; give carbs a miss.</p>.<p><strong>Cook at home & modify snacks</strong></p>.<p>Fried food is full of empty calories and does not offer any health benefits. So, go for boiled vegetables or snacks that are grilled, roasted or shallow fried. At home, you could try making snacks with high-fibre flour, finger millet or bajra, ragi or soya along with wheat flour. Season them with herbs and spices instead of salt. Cooking at home is another way of ensuring that you control the consumption of sugar and salt. Some other ingredients you could try to include are skimmed milk, and flavour enhancers such as saffron, cardamom and rose water. Munch on nuts and dry fruits.</p>.<p><strong>Hydrate yourself well</strong></p>.<p>The thumb rule is to remain hydrated during the festive period. Drink water adequately throughout the day as it helps alleviate false hunger. It will also help in flushing out all the excess oil.</p>.<p><strong>Eat breakfast like a king</strong></p>.<p>‘Breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ is an adage that has stood the test of time. Include healthy and high-protein foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. A good breakfast will help you feel fuller for a long time and prevent craving. The next meal could include soups and salads, or fruits and juice.</p>.<p><em>(The author is a nutritionist, </em><em>Portea</em><em> Medical, Bengaluru)</em></p>