Ganesh Chaturthi brings families and friends together to celebrate the arrival of Lord Ganesha. Amidst the joy and festivities, it’s easy to indulge in rich foods, sweets, and treats, which can lead to overeating. However, with a few mindful portion control tips, you can enjoy the festive flavors without compromising your health goals.
Dr Hansaji yogendra, Director of the Yoga Institute, Author and A Yoga Guru shares tips on how you can stay on track while still enjoying the spirit of the festival:
Mind Your Modak Intake
Modaks, laddoos, and other sweets are central to Ganesh Chaturthi, and it’s hard to resist these traditional offerings. Instead of skipping them entirely, try having just one or two pieces and savour each bite. While making modaks, consider using healthier alternatives like smaller sizes and steamed modaks with coconut and jaggery fillings instead of deep-fried versions.
Start with Smaller Plates
During the festival, it’s common to serve food in large thalis. A simple trick to control your portions is to use a smaller plate. This visual change can make your plate look fuller while limiting the amount of food you eat. The less food you serve yourself, the less likely you are to overeat.
Serve Yourself Once
It’s tempting to go for second or third servings, especially when surrounded by delicious food. However, limiting yourself to one serving can help control overeating. Serve yourself a little bit of everything you love, but avoid going back for more.
Balance Your Plate
Traditional Indian meals often consist of a variety of dishes. So fill half your plate with vegetables or salads, a quarter with proteins like dal or paneer, and the remaining quarter with rice, puris, or other grains. This way, you get to enjoy everything in moderation while ensuring a balanced meal.
Portion Out Snacks
Throughout the day, there are often plates of snacks like chakli, sev, or farsan lying around. It’s easy to munch mindlessly. Instead of eating straight from the bowl, portion out a small amount on your plate and stick to that. This can reduce the amount of snacking you do without even realizing it.
Limit Fried Foods
Puris, vadas, and other fried delicacies are often served during the festival. Limit your portion size to avoid excessive oil consumption. For example, instead of having multiple puris, enjoy just one or two with sabzi to satisfy your taste buds without overindulging.
Eat Slowly
With the excitement of the festival, meals are often eaten quickly. Slow down, chew your food thoroughly, and enjoy the flavors. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you’re full. This is especially important with rich meals which are often consumed quickly due to their rich flavor. Eating slowly allows your body to register fullness, which can prevent overeating.
Remember that Ganesh Chaturthi is not only about food; it’s a celebration of devotion, culture, and spending time with loved ones. Shift your focus from eating to enjoying the rituals, decorations, and time spent with family and friends. This approach can help you stay on track and focus on the deeper meaning of the celebration.
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