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Nutritionists share their top six reasons for including more fiber in our diets

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Nutritionists share their top six reasons for including more fiber in our diets

Fibre is a carbohydrate that comes from plants. Like it does with other carbs, the small intestine does not digest or absorb fibre (sugar and starch). Instead, it enters the large intestine undigested where it is completely or partially metabolised by the regular bacterial flora. A diet that is both healthy and balanced must include fibres. In addition, nutritionist Sonia Bakshi said that Indian foods like lentils (dal), bananas, barley (jau), nuts, cucumber, and wholegrains are good sources of fibre. Speaking of the same, dietician Neelam Ali of the Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences said, “To begin with, a daily fibre intake of 35 grammes for males and 28-30 grammes for women is advised. What we really eat amounts to about half on average” (amaranth, kuttu, ragi, bajra, dalia, jowar)

Blood sugar levels are regulated by fibrous meals because they have a low glycemic index (GI), a metric that indicates how rapidly a food changes your blood sugar (glucose) level after you eat it. Thus, insulin sensitivity is decreased. Soluble fibre helps reduce blood sugar rises. It absorbs water when it is in contact with water and forms a gel-like substance that delays the intestinal absorption of monosaccharides. This results in the blood sugar being steadily regulated as opposed to a sugar.

Constipation: Fiber makes your faeces more voluminous. The stool becomes softer and larger as a result. When your stools get bigger and easier to pass, the likelihood of experiencing constipation reduces.

Foods abundant in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, absorb liquids in the digestive tract, preventing stomach acid from being displaced, which lessens acid reflux.

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A diet high in dietary fibre, which heightens feelings of fullness and helps prevent obesity, encourages healthy weight management. Fibrous foods assist you avoid consuming too many calories since they are nutrient- and energy-dense and have less calories per unit of food than other foods.

Lowers cholesterol: Soluble fibre binds to cholesterol in the small intestine and causes it to be reduced. Once inside the small intestine, the fibre bonds to the cholesterol particles, preventing them from entering the bloodstream and spreading to other parts of your body.

Heart diseases: A diet high in soluble fibre controls levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, thereby lowering total cholesterol and preventing artery blockages. As a result, there is less inflammation, which lowers strain on the heart and decreases the risk of heart disease.

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How to stay fit during Diwali 2024: Diet tips, easy workouts, tricks to manage stress during the festive season

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How to stay fit during Diwali 2024: Diet tips, easy workouts, tricks to manage stress during the festive season

Staying on track with your fitness goals during Diwali season can be challenging. These expert-recommended tips can help you stay active amid the festivities.

Diwali 2024: How can you stop feeling bloated, tired, and stressed out during the festive season? What should you eat at Diwali parties? How can you stay fit and look your best? If you, too, are wondering how to stay healthy during the festive season and control your calorie intake while also eating and doing what you want, you have come to the right place. Also read | Dussehra to Diwali holiday health tips: Stress management during the festive rush

Even the most disciplined people can find it difficult to stick to their health routines during the festive season. But you can make things different this year. All that eating and socialising does not have to set you back on your fitness goals. 

To help keep you on track, we’ve enlisted the aid of leading experts in health, fitness and nutrition for some much-needed advice. If you tend to get a little anxious around the festive season, don’t miss these simple tips and tricks to follow:

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Nutrition and diet tips for Diwali festivities

Payal Kothari, nutritionist and author of The Gut, has shared with HT Lifestyle her tips on how to enjoy Diwali parties without compromising gut health. She says, “The festive season is filled with irresistible treats and family gatherings, but it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your health goals.”

She suggests opting for healthier alternatives without missing out on the joy of eating; but the key word there is balance. “Choose nutrient-dense snacks like roasted nuts, baked samosas, and fresh fruit platters over fried foods. Moderation is key — enjoy your sweets, but keep portion sizes in check,” Payal says.

Dr Kiran Soni, head of the department of Nutrition and Health at Yatharth Hospitals Greater Noida, adds that to maintain health and fitness during Diwali, you should focus on portion control rather than completely rejecting your favourite dishes.

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“Fill your plate primarily with vegetables and lean proteins, leaving smaller portions for sweets and fried items. Stay hydrated; when attending parties, eat a small protein-rich snack beforehand to avoid overindulging,” she says.

Another one of your non-negotiables this festive season should be staying hydrated. Payal says, “Focus on staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and infused water to flush out toxins and curb overeating. Drink soup at home if you can, and then head out, or eat a small protein meal before heading out.”

Easy workouts to fit into your festive schedule

It’s not easy to fit in your workouts during the festive season, but even if exercise isn’t quite your top priority during the month of October, you can still move to stay active. Dr Soni says, “Maintaining physical activity is crucial during the festive season. Aim for short, high-intensity workouts when time is limited. Consider morning yoga or stretching sessions to energize your day. Take walks after heavy meals to aid digestion and burn calories.”

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Payal recommends short, effective workouts, such as a 15-20-minute HIIT session, 20-30 burpees yoga stretches, or even a brisk walk. She says, “If you’re attending family gatherings or parties, use the opportunity to stay active—dance during celebrations. Being the first one to initiate the moves on the dance floor can help digest the extra food and burn those calories. Or go for a walk with your loved ones. Even 10 minutes of stretching in the morning can improve your energy levels and help you feel your best.”

How to manage stress during the festive season

Diwali season can bring a lot of stress and strain on your mental health, ranging from mild annoyances to the types of anxieties that keep you up at night. And as you probably know, exercise is a great way to relieve all of that. Another truth: what you eat matters too.

Payal suggests adding mood-boosting and stress-relieving foods to your diet, like dark leafy greens, almonds, and foods rich in Omega-3s, such as chia seeds and flaxseeds. She says, “Soups are great for gut-brain health.”

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Dr Soni adds, “Managing stress is essential for overall well-being during busy festive periods. Incorporate stress-reducing foods into your diet, such as foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds), complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables), and magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, legumes). Prioritise sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule as much as possible.”

Other coping mechanisms? “Practise mindfulness by incorporating short meditation or deep breathing exercises into your day, even if it’s just for five minutes. Prioritise quality sleep, and try to set aside a few moments of ‘me time’ to recharge. By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy the festivities guilt-free while maintaining a balance between health and celebration,” Payal says.

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