You've been on a strict diet regime throughout the year and the party season is luring you to binge on some calorie-filled food and drinks.
How do you allow yourself some indulgence and continue to remain fit post the festive season? Mindful partying is a trend which has caught the fancy of most health-conscious people who want to strike a perfect balance between partying and work. Lifestyle coach and body transformation professional Wanitha Ashok says, "Today the buzzword is health and people are taking steps to sneak in exercises and eating sensibly every day. The concept of mindful partying is still new and I'm hoping it will gain popularity because 70% of weight loss happens through diet and 30% through exercise." And a healthy combo of diet and exercise will yield perfect results. Experts say that party foods will easily make one consume 2,000 - 3,000 extra calories, which come from alcohol, continuous high calorie snacking, rich gravies and desserts. Wanitha further adds, "This gets stored as fat and the excess calories cannot be burned by sweating it out the next day. Since this is the party season, people attend a lot of get-togethers and the only way one can stop the unwanted calories from piling on is by indulging in mindful partying." Here are some tips that can help you strike that balance.
Eat before you step out
Clinical nutritionist and dietician Pooja Makhija says, "One of the most effective tips of smart partying is not going out on an empty stomach." Studies have found that when people are not hungry, they tend to make wiser, intelligent choices and this works for everything, even shopping. Pooja adds, "A hungry stomach can prompt you to make a bad choice, but on a full stomach you use your discretion better. You will not reach out for finger foods that you know are bad for your health; you will rather wait till something more wholesome is served."
Don't slack your exercise regime
Cancelling your gym classes during the party week is common. Experts say that even if you skip the gym, make sure you squeeze in workouts whenever you can; even small bouts of exercise count. Don't work out too hard right before the party because you don't want to show up all dehydrated and tired. A session of brisk walking or spinning will suffice.
Avoid carbs
When you know you will be drinking, choose to avoid carbs. Go for proteins and healthy fats - these will take longer to digest and so the alcohol will not be absorbed into your bloodstream as quickly.
Make sure you are well hydrated
Drinking lots of water is important. Says Pooja, "Alternate your drinks. After a glass of cocktails, have a tall glass of water with half tonic and crushed ice. This is great for your system. You need to rehydrate yourself. Your health will be in better control and you will be able to go to work the next day."
Deal with hangovers
The morning after, have fresh coconut water. Termed as a hangover cure, coconut water is packed with electrolytes, minerals and potassium that will give you an energy boost.
EXERCISE TIPS
- Run up and down the stairs whenever you find time n Jump rope for a while every morning
- Chair sit-ups is a good lower body workout and races your heart rate too
- Go for a jog n Do a 20 minute total body weight training to rev up the metabolism
- Stand when on a call; you can also throw in some squats and lunges and work your lower body
- Walk around as movement burns calories
- Learn some deskercises which double up as gym classes
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