For many dancers this festive season a way to celebrate and rejoice, it is a break for some and loads for work for others. There are dancer who are busy giving dance recitals during this season and some choose to spend time with family and friends. But what is common for all dancers is the indulgence in the festivities.
Festivities, family and good food go hand-in-hand, meeting relatives, friends and fans goes with dinner parties, get-togethers and exchanging boxes of mithai. Now, how can one say no to that extra laddoo someone lovingly offers, or when the host insists on a second helping of the delicious chocolate?
But remember post this season starts the work season for dancers as Christmas and New year is close and loads of shows and offers start coming in. a dancer needs to be careful of his or her weight during this time. No one wants to see a slim dancer turn plump and perform for them.
For those dancers who are looking to stay healthy and keep your weight in check through all of this, here are a few tips:

Drink plenty of water:
Drink plenty of water before snacking on the mithais, so that your stomach is partially full and you eat less. Drinking plenty of lukewarm water/green tea (without sugar) this will help perk up your body metabolism and ease digestion of high-calorie snacks. It also helps alleviate false hunger.

Avoid aerated drinks:
Avoid aerated drinks, carbonated drinks only add calories. Instead, drink fresh juices, fruit shakes or buttermilk and lassi are a healthy option. Better to avoid the aerated drinks so that you can save the calories and have a sweet instead.

Baked, grilled, steamed or roasted:
Apart from sweets it is even the namkeen that’s popular during this season. Have grilled, steamed, baked or roasted namkeen instead of fried ones. Avoid fried food completely this week. You will save up on calories and lesser intake of calories means lesser weight this week.

Avoid heavy and high calorie food add protein instead:
At a party, if you are a non vegetarian then stick to white meats like chicken, or fish. Pick out and eat only the meat or vegetables from the gravy, as they provide high proteins. Avoid consuming the oil or cream used to prepare the gravies. If you indulge in fried food items or sweets, compensate for it by cutting down on carbohydrates in the form of chapatti and rice and add more salads instead.

Eat small portions:
Moderation is the mantra of enjoying festive food. Eat fatty food, sweets and other snacks in small amounts. Instead of loading your plate to the brim, just take one or two items and eat them slowly. Eat slowly and savour each mouthful so that you avoid second helpings.
This will give you satisfaction of eating at the same time save you from the calories.

Separate meals from sweets:
We tend to eat sweets or dessert after a heavy meal. Instead, treat the main course and the dessert as two different meals. Always eat sweets or fatty foods as individual items and not along with meals, so the calories are well distributed throughout the day. Postpone a desired snack for about 10 minutes after eating a heavy meal.

Distribute sweets to others:
If you have received boxes of chocolates or sweets, give them to the young ones in the family or the neighbourhood so that you are not tempted to indulge in them. Avoid accumulating boxes of sweets and chocolates at home, get rid of them by distributing it to others. This way you pass on the calories to others.

I hope that this Diwali all you dancers stay healthy and fit with the tips that I have shared with you, have a safe and a calories free festive season. Here is wishing you and loved ones at home a very happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year.