The Dos and Don’ts of Dieting

By TNN

 

Whether you are fasting during Navratri or dieting to get into that sexy sari for Diwali, a diet plan is very important. Even in the midst of the festive season, following a diet plan cannot be ignored. With the weight loss craze reaching epic proportions, here’s what you should keep in mind before you follow the herd and start dieting.

 

DO: Keep a check on what you’re eating. Cravings and emotionally-driven desires to binge will only add to the pounds. “Stick to the recommended diet and be hard on yourself when it comes to consuming these sinful goodies,” says nutritionist Ashwini Dave.

 

DON’T: Deprive yourself of the right amount of food. Depriving your body of the mandatory nutrients is going to make you weak and lethargic. This will affect your daily functioning.

 

DO: Eat a lot of greens. They are low on calories and high on calcium and protein. You can eat your greens raw or you can eat them with your salads, soups etc. Apart from their many health benefits, they will keep you energised too.

 

DON’T: Be too hard on yourself. Give yourself the occasional treat, but limit it to once a week. “Being too strict with your diet plan can undermine the very essence and reason of your diet. It’s better to eat the right food rather than starving yourself,” says fitness expert Neha Rao.

 

DO: Exercise. Doing some physical activity will help strengthen your body and keep you fit as well. Refrain from strenuous exercises. Indulge in some light exercises like swimming and jogging instead.

 

DON’T: Consume too many fats. Stay away from red meats, pork, beef and other fattening meats. This does not mean that you stop eating fats completely, but keep a regular check on it.

 

DO: Drink a lot of water. “Drinking about 8-9 glasses of cold water naturally raises your metabolism, keeping you refreshed” says Ashwini. Avoid liquids that are high on sugar content.

 

DON’T: Overdo the diet. Simple rules can help in the long run — more sleep and liquids, less sugar and junk food.

 

 

Source: The Dos and Don’ts of Dieting