What We’ll Cover:

• An introduction to Diwali
• Before the celebration
• Enjoying Diwali foods and activities
• Getting back to your usual routine

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Introduction

Diwali is an important celebration for many Hindu, Jain, Sikh and other communities around the world. Celebrations can vary between families and communities, but often include time with family and friends, prayers, gifts and food. Food is often an important part of the celebrations, from sharing meals with loved ones to enjoying sweets and savoury snacks.

You don't need to avoid your favourite Diwali foods to look after your health. A few simple strategies can help you enjoy the celebrations while staying connected to your goals. 

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Before the celebration

Before the celebrations, try to stick to your usual routines and balanced meals. You don't need to skip meals to “save calories” for a celebration.

If you're hosting, think about the foods you want to serve and how you can create a balanced spread. For example, you could include vegetable dishes, dal, chickpeas, yoghurt or other sources of protein alongside the other dishes.

If you're bringing food to someone's home, choose something you enjoy and consider bringing a dish that includes vegetables, pulses or another source of protein.

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Enjoying Diwali

Diwali foods vary between families and communities, but you might enjoy foods such as samosas, pakoras, puri, chaat, biryani, dal, vegetable curries and a variety of sweets such as barfi, ladoo, jalebi or gulab jamun.

You don't need to avoid these foods. Instead, think about which foods you really want to enjoy and how much feels satisfying. 

You could:

• Start with a smaller portion and go back for more if you're still hungry
• Eat slowly and enjoy the flavours
• Include vegetables and a source of protein alongside richer dishes
• Focus on the foods you really want to enjoy rather than feeling that you need to try everything
• Enjoy sweets without feeling guilty
• Share food with family and friends

Celebrations can be a great opportunity to enjoy movement without it feeling like exercise.

If music and dancing are part of your celebrations, get involved! Dancing with family and friends can be a fun way to spend time together while being active.

You could also:

• take a walk with family or friends
• walk between nearby homes when visiting others
• spend time outdoors together
• help with decorating or getting ready for the celebrations 

Remember you don't need to “work off” what you've eaten. Movement is something you can enjoy as part of the celebration, if this feels relevant to you. 

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After the celebrations

One celebration does not undo your progress. You don't need to compensate by skipping meals or following a strict diet the next day.

Simply return to your usual routine. Have your regular balanced meals, drink enough fluids and get back to the habits that support you. 

If your usual routine has changed for several days, that's fine too. Give yourself time to settle back into it.

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Summary

Diwali is a time for celebration, connection and enjoying food with family and friends. You don't need to avoid your favourite foods or compensate afterwards. Focus on enjoying the celebrations, staying connected to the habits that matter to you, and returning to your usual routine when the celebrations are over.