The post-Diwali purge

The festive season crossed us like a storm but there are ways to make sure that its effects are minimised. By Team Viva
Now that the festivities are over it is important to detoxify after indulging in food loaded with fats, sugar, carbohydrates and dry fruits. While these foods can give heaviness and bloating, an alcohol binge plays havoc with our digestive system and overall health.

But detoxifying should not be taken as a punishment. Instead, it can be made interesting by including different meal options like spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, apples, broccoli etc along with other essential foods. Do not starve yourself at any given time or give up everything that you love eating. Eating sensibly along with regular exercise, plenty of water and sufficient rest should do the trick of bringing you back  to your normal weight and health, say Avni Kaul, nutritionist and wellness coach and Shivani Kandwal, medical nutritionist and diabetes educator.

 Here are a 20 things you need to  do to make sure that the detoxification journey runs smooth:

• Lemon water encourages the liver to produce bile which helps in digestion and detoxification. Sipping lukewarm boiled water all through the day also purifies the body.
• Green tea is rich in antioxidants which keeps you healthy and the liver active. The rich foods that you have eaten during Diwali depletes the water content in the body which gets replenished when you drink green tea. It also increases the metabolism which in turn burns body fat.
• Vegetable soup with lots of different vegetables of your choice provide antioxidants and potassium, which eliminate toxins from the body.
• Fruits have vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibers, all of which together keep the body healthy while removing the toxins lining the intestinal walls.
• Soaked nuts and dried fruits are easier to digest and therefore they rejuvenate our system. Their protein gets absorbed quickly. They neutralise the toxins in the colon.
• Steamed sprouts boost immunity and purify blood. Corrosion of tissues is prevented  by the antioxidants present in them. The Omega-3 fats brings a glow to the skin and hair.  They restore hormonal balance in the body and also hydrate it.
• Light food like khichdi, quinoa or porridge are all easily digestible and nutritious. They are gluten-free and strengthen the system.
• Detox drinks includes warm water with added ajwain, jeera, fenugreek seeds, lemon slices, tulsi or neem leaves. Coconut water is another very good natural option.
• Consumption of sugar and salt should be brought down to the minimum.
• Eat home-cooked food to avoid the hidden calories in sauces, salad dressing etc. It will also help you control your portion size.
• Incorporate dahi/yogurt in your meals to assist in digestion and cleanse your system.
• Eat a light dinner so that the undigested food does not get stored as fat in the body.
• Enough sleep is essential to repair and rejuvenate the body.
• Don’t eat white breads, rice, maida, sugar or white processed foods for they are all  bad for the digestive system.
• Don’t skip meals. Instead have smaller light meals at regular intervals.
• No packed food. During diwali you have gorged on enough sweets and fried foods, so say no to food with preservatives and fried food.
• Staying hydrated is the key. Drink enough water, and your body will naturally flush out excess fat and sugar. Drink atleast three litres of water to ensure a good detox. You can also add a few mint and basil leaves and piece of lemon to aid flatulence, indigestion .
• Eat as much raw vegetables and fruits as possible. They will add fibre and will aid constipation, which people tend to get post diwali.
• Keep your dinner salt free, so that you don’t get water retention. It will keep you light.
• Exercise. Last but not the least, stay active. That’s our body’s natural detoxifying method. Try and log in atleast 10,000 steps in your fitness app.