How to Stay Healthy during Holi

Table of Contents

1. Staying in Shape during Holi
2. Have a light breakfast
3. Don't overeat
4. Stay hydrated
5. Holi day is a holiday
6. Plan your day
7. Prepare healthy foods
8. Be active

Holi is just around the corner and you know there will be sweet treats (lots of them) without which the festival wouldn’t be as enjoyable. You have got to have some. But you can’t give up your gains or hard work for a day of indulgence either. And the sweets last longer than the day of the Holi, which means that you might end up eating unhealthy throughout the week. *gasp*

And it doesn’t stop at sweets either. There are drinks and foods that no one wants to miss out on. We’re not here to pester you or scare you into completely abstaining from every food or snack. That would make Holi sad when it’s all about letting loose and having fun. And what would be the point of working out if you can’t enjoy just one day?

You should indulge in your favorite foods and there’s nothing wrong with it. Just keep a few things in mind and you’re good to go. Incorporating a healthy diet during the rest of the days is essential. Dieting is not about avoiding foods but about restricting their intake. Get expert nutritional advice to ensure that your hard work is not in vain. Click here to find out about FITFEAST to consult nutritionists from anywhere.

Staying in Shape during Holi

1. Have a light breakfast

Since you will be partying all day, start with a light breakfast. Go for poha, a piece of bread or an egg. Foods like Poha keep you full for long without making you feel hungry soon after. You can also have a small portion of oatmeal – light, and filling. Since you’ll probably have drinks like thandaai and beer, you can maybe skip the morning tea. A couple of fruits for breakfast will also serve you well.

2. Don’t overeat

When you’re enjoying the festivities, it may be hard to stop yourself. But a thought at the back of your head could help you have one gujiya instead of three. You might want to plan the number of calories you will consume on that day. If that is too hard, just make sure you don’t overeat. Try everything for sure, but do go overboard with a single food or snack.

3. Stay hydrated

You will be around so much water but make sure that you do not fall short on drinking water. It is easy to neglect drinking enough fluids when you are having so much fun. So much activity will dehydrate you in addition to being in the direct sun most of the day. To top all this, you might have alcoholic drinks that will further dehydrate you. You will feel good during the celebration only to feel dehydrated by the end of the day. So, drink plenty of water.

4. Holi day is a holiday

Instead of taking off on your regular day, you can let Holi be the day when you do not go for your yoga class or gym workout. You’re not going to visit the gym anyway so might as well make the most of it. Having been to the gym or fitness center the day before and having to go the next day will help keep you in control when eating or drinking. You don’t have to go for a full workout if, say, Sunday is your rest day. Just go for a short cardio workout.

5. Plan your day

This one is very important. You are unlikely to stick to vague resolutions unless you have a plan. Most likely, you already know where you will be going on Holi. Plan what you will eat and arrange it beforehand. Set yourself a limit when it comes to foods and drinks. There’s only one thing you do not have to set a limit to and that’s having fun. Go crazy in that regard.

6. Prepare healthy foods

You can have food to your heart’s delight if you act smartly. All the sweet and savory snacks can be prepared so that they are healthy as well as tasty.

• The gujiyas can be stuffed with fruits. Caramelized apples is a good place to start. Bake them instead of frying
• Make idlis for breakfast, except with oats and veggies. They have lots of fiber and are equally delicious
• Make the Dahi vadas with brown bread. The taste won’t change a lot and you can still enjoy the tangy treat
• Try the pineapple coconut rabri – it is as awesome as it sounds

There are so many more healthy snacks you can prepare for Holi. Check them out and eat healthy even on Holi. 

7. Be active

Since there aren’t too many rituals and traditions to be observed on Holi, it is easy to take a back seat and laze around all day. Don’t do that. First of all, it’s not the best way to have fun. Get involved with everyone – kids, friends, elderlies, etc. Play games and run around. All of it doesn’t have to be about water, gulaal, and other water colors. Play games like cricket, football, etc., anything that will make your burn calories.