Eating your heart out takes on a whole new meaning during the festive season — with modaks punctuating every meal, and evening hangouts with Bappa replacing routine gym discipline, it can be hard to draw the line between indulgence and completely losing track of your wellness routine. “The real challenge for the festive season is that celebrations in our country are irrevocably associated with foods, with each festival bringing forth its own delicacies. Sharing meals with your loved ones is also a bonding experience, which makes it hard to turn down invitations or to abstain,” explains nutritionist Kajal Bhathena. If you’ve been trying to lose weight or are focusing on specific health goals, don’t lose heart — these strategies will help you to stay focused and on track.

Reframe your narrative

“The primary function of eating is to supply your body with the necessary fuel to function efficiently. When you understand this, you will automatically refrain from sabotaging your efforts,” says Bhathena. She adds that no matter how hectic your schedule, it is imperative to fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week. Additionally, low-fat alternatives are a safe bet to minimise your calorie intake — she suggests opting for besan, rawa or dried-fruit laddus over deep-fried motichur laddus.