Diwali Mithai And Diabetes
NEW DELHI, (IANS) – Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time for joy, celebration, and family gatherings. This vibrant festival, however, often revolves around sweets, rich feasts, and treats that can be challenging for individuals living with diabetes. The confluence of tradition and indulgence during Diwali can present a formidable hurdle for maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. Fortunately, with careful planning and mindfulness, it is possible to partake in the festivities while managing diabetes effectively. Here are some smart strategies for navigating the Diwali season with your health in mind:
Plan your meals ahead of time:
Preparation is the key to success in managing diabetes during Diwali. This will help to avoid making unhealthy choices when surrounded by tempting treats. Choose meals that are low in sugar and carbohydrates, and high in protein and fiber.
Be mindful of your portion sizes:
It’s easy to overindulge during Diwali, but it’s important to be mindful of the portion sizes. Take small plates and servings, and don’t be afraid to say no to second helpings.
Choose healthy snacks:
If a person is feeling hungry between meals, reach for healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, or yogurt. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which can spike the blood sugar levels.
Take breaks from eating:
It’s important to take breaks from eating during Diwali so that the body has time to digest the food. Get up and move around or talk to friends and family.
Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly:
It’s important to monitor the blood sugar levels regularly during Diwali, especially if a person is making any changes to their diet or exercise routine. This will help in identifying any problems early on and taking corrective action.
Limit alcohol intake:
Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Get enough sleep:
When a body is well-rested, it can regulate the blood sugar levels in a better way. Manage stress:
Stress can raise blood sugar levels, so it’s important to find healthy ways to manage stress during Diwali. Try yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature. (IANS)
Pradeep Srivastava
/
“Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time for joy, celebration, and family gatherings. This vibrant festival, however, often revolves around sweets, rich feasts, and treats that can be challenging for individuals living with diabetes. The confluence of tradition and indulgence during Diwali can present a formidable hurdle for maintaining optimal blood sugar levels.”
It seems Diwali is no longer a religious festival. Instead, it has morphed into a social and cultural tradition. But it doesn’t have to be that way if enough people fight back against traditions that have nothing to do with the intent of the festival.
According to Wikipedia, Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights with its variations also celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”.
So, let’s not use Diwali as a pretext to indulge in harmful practices like overeating or consuming food that’s not good for us. I realize that in India and some Indian communities of even foreign countries, there is enormous peer pressure to overindulge but that issue needs to be addressed seriously especially if it has an adverse impact on one’s health. From that perspective, this article can be of enormous help.
November 8, 2023