Do summer vacations end up taxing your tummy? Does the wedding season spell doom for your diet?
Discover simple tricks that allow you to pig out on those exotic, local delicacies and indulge in those irresistible wedding treats… and still stay in top form this summer!
Control is the key
While vacationing in sunny Maldives, Shimantini Banerjee learned (the hard way) that sun isn't always fun. "I spent my afternoon playing with friends on the beach regardless of the scorching sun. I followed that up with a lot of oily food. The next day I was down with a severe headache, acidity and dizziness. As if spoiling the fun weren't bad enough, my friends had to roam the city in search of a doctor," she laments.
A dietician with Talwalkar's Gym, Kamna Marwah, finds heavy food and summer a deadly combination. "In summer, your appetite goes down and you need to re-hydrate as often as possible. One must go light on meals and heavy on water," she advises.
She cautions, "Doing the opposite is a common mistake that leads to dehydration, indigestion and weight problems." To avoid this, Kamna recommends a healthy balance with controlled eating. Here's her secret formula, "While on vacation, keep one day aside especially for delicacies. Balance a rich meal with light meals for the rest of the week."
Nutritionist Dr Anjali Mukerjee stresses upon the need for water, as she elaborates, "Readymade fruit juices might contain added glucose as they are sometimes made from the concentrated essence of fruits instead of fresh fruits. Water is the always best available hydrant."
Learn to say "No!"
Bharati Joshi considers summer weddings a nightmare! "I gain weight in summers because of those bhaturas, malpuvas and meat dishes that I just can't resist. Also, if I try to curb eating, the hosts take it as a personal insult," she groans.
Has this ever happened to you? How often have you visited a buffet and had a portion -- just to taste? While you maybe indulging your tongue, you are torturing your tummy.
Dietician Sushila Sharangdhar has a simple solution. "Use discretion while accepting wedding invites, especially if you have many lined up. Also don't go on an empty stomach -- eat wholesome meal. Lastly, take smaller portions and avoid extra trips to the buffet table."
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Be bold; ask for what you want
Dr Mukerjee explains that it is safe for people with a healthy weight and diet to occasionally indulge themselves. "Don't spoil the holiday by fussing about calories -- just try to choose wisely," she advises.
She believes that wherever you go, there always will be a few low-calorie options. "Don't be shy," she says. "Ask the maître d' to use less oil in dishes for you. Most chefs will agree. Even at weddings, don't cave in when the hosts try to force-feed you."
And when it comes to summer foods for children, her advice is to stick to small portions and to let them have everything except refined carbohydrates.
Summer diet dos and don'ts
Go without
- Tea, coffee, colas and fruit shakes with additives
- Deep-fried, oily preparations
- Dairy-rich products including milk-based desserts
- Curries and gravies that contain groundnuts
Binge on
- Water and more water
- Citrus and fruits that contain lots of water (e.g.: sweet limes, oranges, watermelon, tender coconut and pears)
- Buttermilk, jal jeera and other natural digestives
- Low-cal variations such as steamed foods instead of fried ones
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