Have your 'modak' and eat it too!

For Ruchika Shah (name changed), the rotund God who loves his food, becomes an excuse to gorge on modaks, karanjis and other sweets during the 10-day festival causing much guilt. “We need to understand that fitness has to be throughout the year and that has a bigger effect on your system. All you need to do is plan your fitness regime to accommodate the festivals into it,” explains celebrity nutritionist and author Rujuta Diwekar.

One can’t afford to be scared of the festivals and Rujuta thinks it is okay to eat to celebrate during festivals, but one must not get greedy.  “As soon as Ganpati is done getting back to your fitness routine is advisable. Know that there is Dussera and Diwali coming up. So enjoy during festivals rather than indulging,” says Rujuta. As for exercise, fitness expert Leena Mogre lays emphasis on balancing workouts with moderation in diet. “It is best to limit your consumption to one or two modaks and avoid binging,” says the fitness guru. Mogre advises people to eat prashad as prashad, and to identify the difference between appetite and hunger. “Sometimes, you are just craving food. Divert your mind by drinking water or having a fibre-rich full lettuce salad which fills you up,” says Leena. While continuing workouts is essential, Leena warns that the bingeing cannot be undone with an extra hour on the treadmill.

Rujuta asserts that the fear of eating is what is detrimental to your fitness goals. “If you eat food out of fear, it will turn to 100 per cent fat! When you eat to enjoy, your stomach releases the right enzymes to break it down and it knows what to do with the nutrients.” The right attitude towards food also applies to the social obligation that plagues Archana K (name changed). “When I have to visit 10-12 homes daily, even if I eat half a modak, that is six modaks!”

Diwekar advices to be firm with yourself and your host. “Know why you’re going to someone’s place — for darshan and not food. Also, plan your visit to those important to you in a way that you eat lunch or a snack at their place,” says Rujuta. There you have it from the experts. Just like festivals are a part and parcel of your life, fitness too should be a part of it all year long. And if you are regular with your meals and workouts, a couple of modaks won’t hurt you.