As India celebrates National Nutrition Week 2025 under the theme ‘Eat Right for a Better Life’, nutrition experts are encouraging people to rethink how they approach food during festivals.
With every occasion steeped in rich flavours, sweets and family feasts, the challenge of balancing indulgence with health has never been more relevant.
Lifestyle coach Nidhi Nahata says festive eating habits often disrupt daily routines, shifting diets from nutrient-dense meals to high-carb snacks and late-night feasts.
“Poor digestion not only affects how we feel physically but can also leave us fatigued for days,” she tells Health Shots. However, she stresses that celebration and well-being can co-exist with mindful planning.
Among her seven tips, Nahata advises starting the day with a nutritious breakfast such as a fruit-nut smoothie or millet porridge to stabilise energy levels.
She recommends filling half the plate with vegetables or salads before adding proteins and whole grains to ensure fibre intake and satiety. Staying hydrated with water, herbal teas, or coconut water also helps prevent overeating disguised as thirst.
Practising Intentional Indulgence
She calls for ‘intentional indulgence’, savouring favourite treats slowly in smaller portions rather than outright denial and pairing meals with movement.
A post-meal walk, light yoga or even a traditional dance can aid digestion and combat sluggishness.
Other practical steps include opting for live food counters at buffets to request lighter cooking methods like steaming or grilling, and making fibre an ally by choosing fresh vegetables, legumes and whole grains to counter sugar spikes.
Certain groups, such as people with diabetes, high blood pressure, allergies, or very young and elderly family members, should take extra care to avoid excess salt, sugar or hidden allergens in festive dishes.
Nutritionists believe these mindful practices can help households enjoy traditional foods without post-celebration discomfort.
“The essence of celebration is in the enjoyment, not the quantity consumed,” Nahata emphasises.
By adopting these habits, families can nurture both tradition and health, turning festive meals into an opportunity for nourishment rather than overindulgence.
Also Read: The Psychology Behind Comfort Food Cravings
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