Many people tend to overeat and end up suffering from food poisoning and upset stomachs soon after the festivities are over.
Diwali is a time for celebration and feasting, but one has to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with food poisoning and overeating.
Many people tend to overeat and end up suffering from food poisoning and upset stomachs soon after the festivities are over. While it is important to enjoy the festival, one also should be on the lookout to keep one’s health intact and avoid gastrointestinal illnesses.
Dr Tribhuvan Gulati, Lead Consultant, Diabetes, Obesity & Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, shared a few tips to prevent overeating during Diwali.
- Eat slowly and savour the food: It takes the brain about 20 minutes to register that the stomach is full, so it is important to eat slowly and savour the food. This will help to avoid overeating.
- Take breaks between eating: If a person is feeling full, take a break before one can start eating again. This will give the body time to digest the food that has already been eaten.
- Avoid distractions while eating: While eating, avoid distractions such as the TV, computer, or phone. This will help to focus on the food and avoid overeating.
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking water can help to feel full and prevent overeating.
- Choose healthy foods: While choosing foods to eat, choose healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are filling and nutritious, so they will help to avoid overeating.
- Be careful about eating street food: Street food can be contaminated with bacteria, so it is important to be careful when eating it. Somehow if a person chooses to eat street food, then they need to make sure that the food is cooked thoroughly.
- Avoid eating food that has been left out for a long time: If a person is not sure how long food has been left out, it is best to err on the side of caution and not eat it.
- Be aware of dietary restrictions: If a person has any dietary restrictions, such as allergies or intolerances, then they must make sure to be aware of them and avoid foods that may trigger them.
- Listen to the body: If a person is feeling full, stop eating. Don’t feel pressured to eat more than they are comfortable with
