It is very difficult to count calories and say ‘no' to all the fried and sugar-coated temptations during the festive season. The culinary list of ‘do-not-eat' items is incredibly long and difficult to avoid. Not to mention the festive spreads you encounter in every home you visit. All the eating and drinking will certainly take a toll on your system. This is the time when bodies need a good cleanse and detox.
Toxins are poisonous substances that are chemically unstable. They are an accumulation of normal body by-products that haven't been eliminated from the body.
We can divide toxins into two forms: endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous toxins are waste products that our body creates in the process of normal functions. They pose a danger to the system if uneliminated. Uric acid, a by-product of protein metabolism, is one example. Exogenous toxins are those not normally found in the body such as environmental pollutants (tobacco, exhaust fumes), alcohol, food additives, chemicals, drugs, heavy metals and pesticides.
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What to do
It is important to detoxify your body before the festive season so that it can cope with a little overindulgence without ill effects. Detox after the festivities is important too. It acts like a wonderful cleanser. Here's how to go about it:
Drinking about eight glasses of water is a great and simple way to flush out any acidic toxins. Fruits, fruit juices, raw or boiled vegetables and soups even help you shed a few kilos.
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Supplement your dietary regimen with yoga, aerobics and meditation.
Start taking care of your skin. Get a face massage, use cleansers and moisturisers to get rid of dry skin. The secret to good make-up is to keep your skin tone and hair colour in mind. If you have shades of grey or you wish to highlight strands of hair or get a neat cut, this is the time.
If you can't go for a facial try a home facial. Go for a natural scrub like moong daal and dahi . It works wonders for your skin.
Visiting friends and relatives is a must and at every home, you will be offered something delicious. Try to do some deft calorie counting and refrain from reaching out for one more laddoo .
When making stuff at home, go easy on oil. Opt for the healthy alternatives like corn, soya or olive oil rather than saturated fats like ghee. Use skimmed low-fat milk in sweet dishes. Reduce the amount of cream, butter, sweets, ice creams, etc.
Eat products make from low-fat milk, cottage cheese and yogurt. Avoid biscuits, chocolates and cakes.
Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables and pulses, which contain protein. Include cereals, bran and chapattis in your diet.
Foods during Deepavali are mainly deep-fried disasters. It is mindless eating that is detrimental to health. So be clear about your portion size and how much food you consume in a day.
The writer is a Delhi-based dermatologist.