Diwali 2014: 5 tips to control diabetes this festive season

October 23, 2014 is Diwali Diwali may be popularly known as the 'festival of lights' in India but in reality it shares a stronger bond with sweets and unhealthy food more than anything else. Whil

By: Shraddha Rupavate | | Updated: October 21, 2014 3:31 pm

October 23, 2014 is Diwali Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

Diwali may be popularly known as the ‘festival of lights’ in India but in reality it shares a stronger bond with sweets and unhealthy food more than anything else. While, the week-long celebration brings in a wave of sweet cravings and tendency to over-eat, the celebration spirit can completely overtake diet restrictions and give rise to health complications, especially in those suffering from diabetes. But what’s the fun if you don’t celebrate Diwali the way it’s supposed to be? So, here are a few tips that will help you celebrate Diwali without extracting the fun out of it. Also Read - 7 reasons why the #BeefBan is good

Don’t forget the cardinal rules of diabetic diet: The key to control diabetes is to remember and religiously follow the cardinal rules of a diabetic diet. According to Dr Pradeep Gadge, consultant diabetologist at Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai a diabetic should always keep in mind four things: when to eat, what to eat, how much to eat and what to avoid. Ideally, anything that contains refined flour (maida) and sugar should be strictly avoided. So, it’s better that you don’t buy preparations from outside. If at all you do, read the packaging label carefully and buy sugar-free preparations as far as possible. Also Read - Diwali dos and don’ts for safe and healthy festivities

Make sweets at home: Today, people barely have time to make sweets at home. The tradition has now changed to visiting the market one day prior to the festival and buying food items soaked in ghee and sugar that can quickly spike your blood sugar levels. This time consider making your own sweets. Apart from reviving the traditional way of celebration, you will be able to control your sugar intake in a better way and even go sugar-free.

Control portion size: Saying ‘no’ during festivities becomes really difficult, but realise that if you don’t do that it could affect your health. A smart way to reduce portion size would be to eat in groups and sharing it with your friends. Also avoid storing a pile of sweets in your kitchen. The more you see them, the more cravings you’ll get.

Don’t forget to check your sugar levels: There’s actually so much to do during Diwali that you might forget to track your blood sugar levels, which could be dangerous. Let your friends and relatives know about your diabetes, download a diabetes app or ask someone to remind you yo check your blood sugar levels.

Don’t substitute sweets for meals: Diwali is an occasion where people tend to gorge on sweets at absolutely any time of the day. Sometimes over eating may leave you feeling so full, that you may skip your meals instead. Remember, sweets are not to substitute your breakfast, lunch or dinner. So, continue to eat healthy and stay healthy.

Image source: Getty Images

Published : October 21, 2014 2:44 pm | Updated:October 21, 2014 3:31 pm

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