It's wedding season, this brings joy and many get togethers… and let’s be honest, a lot of food, especially at big fat Indian parties spread over multiple ceremonies. From mouth-watering starters to rich curries and irresistible desserts, it’s easy to feel like you won't have the self-discipline.
Sujata, you can absolutely enjoy wedding celebrations and still feel great the next day. It’s not about saying no to everything, it’s about making choices that allow you to indulge without going overboard.
Here’s what you typically find at a wedding buffet:
Deep-fried starters like samosas, pakoras, or spring rolls
Heavy mains such as creamy paneer, dal makhani, and butter chicken
Plenty of grains like rice, biryani, naan or roti
Tempting dessert table filled with cakes, gulab jamun, halwa and ras malai
Fizzy drinks, cocktails, mocktails and alcohol
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And somewhere on the buffet, there will be a bowl of salad or raita (that most people walk right past!).
My 10 Tips to Avoid Weight Gain
1. Don’t arrive starving
Eat a small protein-rich snack before you go, like Greek yoghurt, roasted chickpeas, or hummus with veggie sticks. This helps prevent you from grabbing everything in sight when you see the buffet.
2. Start with something light
Begin to prepare your plate with salad or raita, I always do this.
3. Choose grilled or tandoori starters
Opt for items like tandoori paneer, chicken or fish tikka instead of fried snacks. You’ll still enjoy the desi flavours without the heaviness of being deep-fried.
4. Prioritise vegetables
Vegetables are often overlooked but add nutrients and fibre to your plate. If there’s baingan, bhindi, cabbage or gobi sabzi, take them.
5. Avoid the excess oil
When having curries, take from the bottom of the serving pot to get more of the lentils or protein and less of the oily top layer. Take smaller servings; you can always go back for seconds if you’re truly still hungry.
6. Small sweet portions
Choose one dessert you truly enjoy, take a small serving and savour it. You don’t need a large portion to feel satisfied.
7. Drink mindfully
Skip the fizzy drinks and limit alcohol. Go for water, or sparkling water with lemon. If drinking alcohol, alternate with water and sip slowly.
8. Keep moving
Dance! Whether it’s garba, Bollywood or bhangra as the movement keeps your energy up and you get your steps in.
9. Don't wear baggy clothes
I also suggest, dress in fitted clothes (not too tight, but not overly loose). This gives you gentle physical feedback if you’ve eaten enough.
10. Community and connection
Focus on conversations and the people around you. Food is just one part of the celebration.
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Enjoy what you love eating; be mindful of how much you eat; move your body; and most of all, be present. That’s what real balance looks like!
Sujata Din is a Certified Health Coach and Certified Professional Cancer Coach. In this regular column for iGlobal, she offers some special insights, from useful wellness tips to recipes for creations that are not only delicious but also healthy.