3 Wellness Rules For December: Enjoy The Celebratory Season, Nutritiously

Indulging in festive treats is inevitable, but balancing them with nutrient-rich foods is vital.

December sparkles with celebrations, uniting cultures in joy and tradition. From festive cheers over Christmas and New Year’s to numerous weddings and year-end parties, the month is marked by indulgent eating and hectic schedules. While enjoying the festive cheer is essential, prioritizing overall health can significantly enhance your experience of this vibrant month. Four simple wellness rules are suggested, from eating right to leading an active lifestyle and practising mindfulness. Embracing these steps can help you savour the season without compromising your well-being.

Enjoy Feasts Responsibly: Exercise Portion Control

Whether eating out or indulging at home, the holiday season calls for merriment with your loved ones. Enjoy the buffet spread by practising portion control. Try taking everything in smaller portions and you can fill half the plate with vegetable options like salad, grilled veggies, veg kadai/ mixed vegetable curry (made with seasonal veggies), fruit chaat, a quarter with vegetable pulao, Tandoori roti, missi roti and the remaining quarter with protein-filled dishes such as tandoori chicken, dal tadka, chana masala, raita, etc. While it’s okay to indulge in festive treats, moderation is key, but listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating. By practising mindful eating habits, you can enjoy the festive cheer and cherish the holiday season without sacrificing your well-being.

Take Care Of Heart Health: Include Nourishing Fats And Reduce Unhealthy Fats

The celebrations during the holiday season, fuelled by irregular sleeping and resting cycles, can strain heart health. Begin caring for the powerhouse organ by incorporating healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds and oily fish in your diet. If you are hosting a party, you can arrange for guacamole, almond and avocado toast, Amritsari Fish, Tandoori Salmon, or desserts like Badam ka Halwa and Allahadadi cake. Further, the way food is prepared plays a role in enhancing its nutrition profile. Hence, while cooking, use the right multi-source edible oil, with a good balance of MUFA (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) and PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) and better nutrition through fats. Similarly, be mindful of consuming processed items that contain unhealthy fats like palm oil, dalda, and margarine to maintain good health.

Nourish Your Body: Opt For Whole Grains, Vegetables And Fruits

Start the day with a wholesome breakfast of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. Dishes such as Dal Cheela, Dhokla, oats idli, stuffed vegetable parathas, shakshuka, whole wheat bread sandwiches, egg or chicken salad, and porridge are some options to fuel you for the rest of the day.