"Diwali is a time when you see people playing cards all night long. But this doesn't stop here; snacking and drinking continues with it. But what people don't realise is they are abusing their bodies in the name of celebration," nutrition expert Geetu Amarnani told IANS.

"You are suddenly shocking your body system and depriving it of rest. So the exhaustion sets in, metabolism slows down and lethargy and sluggishness take over. So, the best thing to avoid all this would be sensible eating," she added.

Neha Kapoor, 32, a housewife, recollects how these parties and mindless eating played havoc with her system last year.

"Celebrations at our house start one month in advance. We have regular parties to throw or attend and invariably we indulge in a few drinks and snacks. So much a person would try to resist sinful temptations, but it is indeed very difficult," said Kapoor.

"Last year, after indulging in everything and having a blast, my body was completely exhausted. It took me days to recover and get my system in place. This taught me a lesson forever: never go overboard," she added.

According to Simal Soin, medical director of lifestyle centre Three Graces, the best possible way to avoid such situations was to eat in moderation, especially fried foods.

"Being in a festive mood is fine, but one also needs to indulge in sensible eating. Good lifestyle habits during the festive season go a long way in maintaining good health, luxuriant hair and glowing skin even after the occasion is over," said Soin.

So, as the key lies in healthy snacking, one should lay hands on fresh fruits, curd dips, raw salads, roasted food items and even a handful of nuts like almonds and pistachios.

"Pistachios are a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which are considered good for a healthy heart. We have launched special Diwali gift packs to offer our consumers a healthy combination of taste and good health," said Milin Chatterjee, marketing manager for Paramount Farms, producer of Wonderful Pistachios and Almonds.

One should also make sure that the body is getting enough sleep and one is regularly exercising to keep the blues away.

Apart from this, once the party is over, many people start starving their bodies in the name of detoxification, but Swati Srivastava, head (dermatology), VLCC, Mumbai, warned this was not the right way to detox your body.

"Detoxification means flushing out of the toxins accumulated by excessive drinking or over intake of rich food. The organs which have worked really hard during Diwali need to be put on some rest with detoxification. This can be achieved by taking care of your diet. Ayurvedic massages and steam bath will also help," said Srivastava.

"You don't need to cut down on food after Diwali. You just need to reduce carbohydrates and proteins from your food and add in more of fibre, vitamins, anti-oxidants and water in your diet," she said.

"Thus, increasing the consumption of fresh seasonal fruits and veggies is advised along with the consumption of healthy nuts such as almonds and walnuts that nourish your skin and body," she added.

So eat healthy, drink sensibly and enjoy the festivities!

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