Holiday Feasts, Balanced Living: Everyday Wellness for the Party Season

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The holiday season means a jam-packed schedule of social gatherings, parties, and bonfire nights, accompanied by a diet richer than usual. Late nights, entertaining, and excessive food options can soon become a regular feature of your life. While food is an essential ingredient of these events, taking part in festivities and feasting does not mean staying on the other side of wellness.

To help families navigate the season thoughtfully, Dr Shilpa Vora, Chief R&D Officer at Marico Ltd, shares simple, realistic wellness principles that make it easy to strike a balance between celebration and health through mindful cooking choices that keep meals both enjoyable and nourishing.

Why Everyday Moderation Matters

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"The party season often comes with a sense of guilt around food, as many people feel they are constantly 'cheating' on their diet or adding more cheat days than planned. One of the most common misconceptions is that wellness means avoiding favourite foods altogether. In reality, moderation works far better than restriction," explained Dr Vora.

Eliminating dishes from special events may seem like unrealistic advice and could detract from the enjoyment of shared meals. On the other hand, enjoying diverse dishes in reasonable quantities enables all guests to participate while keeping well during events.

"Balanced meals are not about elimination; they are about thoughtful combinations. Pairing indulgent dishes with lighter choices ensures flavour without compromise. If you consume indulgent food portions moderately, along with other everyday meals, it will complement a balanced and healthy lifestyle," advised Dr Vora.

Smart cooking choices for flavour without compromising on taste

Follow these expert-recommended tips:

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• Balance the plate: Start by combining festive foods like biryanis, gravies, kebabs, and fried foods with less lighter options like vegetable stir-fries, dals, soups, raitas, and yogurt salads.
• Choose multi-sourced edible oils: Select multi-sourced edible oils that provide a balanced amount of fatty acids like monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA). Antioxidants in the form of Oryzanol in rice bran oil promote a healthy heart.
• Use fresh cooking oil: Frequent cooking during the party season calls for fresh oil to keep meals lighter and tasting better. Hence, it is recommended to never reuse oil.
• Cook with seasonal produce: Seasonal vegetables and fruits add freshness, fibre, and natural lightness to plates, while inspiring creative dishes that balance heavier preparations.

Simple daily habits that support wellness

Dr Vora concluded, "Maintaining a few simple habits daily can help bring balance to this joyful season. Sticking to regular meal timings, staying well-hydrated, prioritising adequate sleep, and being mindful of salts and sugars in daily cooking can help you feel comfortable overall. Small choices like using multi-sourced edible oils with a good balance of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) play an important role in keeping meals heart healthy."

Ultimately, the holiday season is about enjoyment and connection. By focussing on moderation, thoughtful cooking, and simple daily habits, wellness becomes a natural part of celebrations, leaving you feeling light, nourished, and energised.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.