Festivals in India don’t just light our homes, but also our dining tables.
Nani ke haath ki gujiya, the iconic Soan Papdi that shows up like a bin bulaya mehmaan, and the extra ghee on the halwa – it is all love disguised as food.
Maybe that’s why we love festivals so much. They bring joy and love without asking.
But let’s be honest,
it also brings a classic tug-of-war between your love for food and your intention to stay fit..
But you don’t have to choose a side.
There’s always a middle way that will help you enjoy both.
Why can you choose both?
We often think that health means sacrifice.
That staying healthy means doing the same thing every single day.
same food, same routine, no room for change.
As James Clear says in Atomic Habits,
“Behaviours need to remain novel for them to stay attractive and satisfying… Without variety, we get bored. And boredom is perhaps the greatest villain on the quest for self-improvement.”
That’s exactly why the festive season is not a hurdle but an opportunity for variety. A chance to enjoy your habits in a new way, not pause them completely.
And now that you know the WHY, let’s focus on HOW!
6 Magic Tricks to Balance Halwa and Habit.
Magic Trick 1: Use a smaller plate
Instead of controlling how much you eat, let your plate do it for you.
Smaller plate = Smaller portions.
When your plate looks full, your mind feels full too.
And, this will help you enjoy your favourite items in a more balanced way.
Magic Trick 2: Add colour to your plate
Mindful eating is the first step towards healthy living, and it starts with how your plate looks.
Your plate should feel like a celebration, not just taste like one.
Adding colourful fruits, salads, or a little seasonal sabzi can help balance the heaviness of festive food.
It keeps your digestion happy and makes your meals feel fresher and more mindful.
Magic Trick 3: Eat before the party, not after
When your stomach is empty, it gets harder to slow down at the buffet. You eat fast, you eat too much, and you barely enjoy any of it.
Especially if you’re living with conditions like high BP, diabetes or acidity, it’s better to eat something nourishing before the party to avoid any issues later.
Magic Trick 4: Swap your Cola
It’s not about avoiding cold drinks. It’s about choosing something that cools you from the inside.
Try chaas with a pinch of roasted jeera, fresh lemon water with mint, or a glass of fresh fruit juice. They give you the same refreshing feeling, just without the extra sugar or heaviness.
Pro tip: Drinking more water can help digest all the meetha and masala.
Magic Trick 5: Try Jaggery instead of sugar
If you’re making sweets at home, try jaggery instead of refined sugar.
Even while enjoying your favourite dishes, choose baked or grilled choices instead of fried food.
Magic Trick 6: Yoga se Hoga.
When we’ve eaten a little extra, helping the body digest it well is just as important.
Even small movements can make you feel lighter and more at ease.
You don’t need to do anything intense. A short walk, some gentle stretching, or just lying down with deep breathing can really help.
If you want something guided, you can try free yoga lessons online that are easy to follow and don’t take much time.
You don’t have to do a lot. Just 10–15 minutes can bring you back to yourself. Especially after a day full of food, guests, and running around.
Conclusion
Some of the best memories we make during festivals have food in them. Sitting together, sharing sweets, or having a ‘who can have the most golgappa’ competition, these moments are special. And we don’t have to give up on these to stay healthy. We just need to balance.
These small tricks and tweaks keep your habits exciting, satisfying, and sustainable. Because the goal isn’t perfection, it is about intention.
And if you’re wondering where to begin, yoga can balance both your health and your busy schedule. You can try choosing free online yoga classes in Delhi NCR to begin gently from your home.
