Wali is the time when most of the people enjoy delicious sweets, different dishes and rich food. However, when the festival period passes, the result is visible and that is a few kilos of extra weight and a slightly bloated stomach or a slightly protruding buttock. However, there is no need to panic about this situation. A few positive steps can be taken to return to a fitness routine without any special effort. Be Guilt Free The first rule of fitness after Diwali is simple: Be Guilt Free. Diwali is a time of joy and celebration and gathering with family and friends. It is perfectly natural to enjoy rich foods and all the things that come with it. So, let go of the guilt about the extra sweets you had or the meals you enjoyed. Hydration is essential After feasting on deep-fried goodies and sugary drinks, it's only natural that your body craves heavy hydration. Water helps flush out toxins, aids digestion and can also reduce bloating. For this start your day with warm lemon water. A simple glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon can help jumpstart your digestion. It's also a great way to hydrate your body when you wake up. Carry a water bottle everywhere. Drink water whenever you get a chance during the day. If plain water seems too boring, try adding cucumber, mint sprigs or a pinch of rock salt for flavor. Consume coconut water and herbal tea regularly. Coconut water is full of electrolytes. It can help restore balance after a heavy diet. Healthy Diet Choices It may be tempting to go on a super strict diet right after Diwali, but this is not the best way to regain fitness. Instead, focus on adding more good things to your diet instead of limiting yourself. Include fiber-rich vegetables like spinach, carrots, shimla mirch and cucumbers in your diet. It is great for digestion and will help you feel fuller for longer. After Diwali, try light meals for a few days. Follow a soup, salad and khichdi diet. Reduce the amount of sugar in the diet. Instead of sugar, substitute fruits or dates. Get moving After the Diwali festivities, it's natural to be lazy about starting a fitness routine and this makes it difficult to hit the gym or even attend a yoga session. You can start your fitness activity with walking. It reduces stress, is beneficial for joints and helps improve blood circulation. If you're not ready for the gym, try simple bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups. You can also dance for 15-20 minutes to your favorite songs. Body flexibility decreases due to lack of fitness activities during Diwali festival. Stretching can improve flexibility and relieve muscle tension. Mini-Workouts Microdosing exercise is a great option if you're tired of committing to long workouts. Adopt short, brisk exercise sessions throughout the day. For this do 10 squats every hour. Set a timer on your phone and do 10 squats when it rings. In this way, the habit of sitting continuously can also be left. If you live in a flat, use the stairs instead of the lift. Climb and descend stairs for 2-3 minutes as a quick cardio burst. Healthy Diet Balance your diet with protein-rich and fiber-rich foods. Include paneer and dal in the diet. They are easy sources of protein that can be added to any meal. Consuming this kind of food will make you feel satiated. Substitute whole grains like white rice with brown rice, quinoa or millet. It is rich in fiber and helps in keeping your digestion smooth. Include almonds, walnuts and roasted gram in breakfast after Diwali. It is a healthy snack with protein. Adequate sleep Adhere to a specific bedtime to maintain fitness. Try to go to bed at the same time every night on the weekend. This helps regulate your body's internal clock. Stop using screens at least 30 minutes before bed and do something relaxing like reading or listening to music. A heavy meal before bed can disturb your sleep. If you are hungry, you can try drinking a glass of warm milk. Understand Detox Well Detox doesn't mean starving yourself. Detox has become a buzzword, but that doesn't mean you have to go on a juice-only diet. Detox after Diwali is all about eating healthy and supporting your body's natural cleansing processes. For this, include more fiber in your diet with spinach, cucumber, apple for a refreshing start to your day. Herbal detox drinks not only help in digestion but also boost immunity. Spending time in sunlight Walk in sunlight to maintain vitamin D levels in the body. Natural sunlight can boost your serotonin levels, helping you feel happier and more energetic. So, don't forget your daily dose of sun. Even a 10-15 minute walk in the morning can help your body produce vitamin D naturally. Take your yoga mat to the park for some time in the sunshine or try a simple workout on your building's terrace.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
