Go glowing

Dr Karuna Malhotra

Is it possible to have the best festivals and holidays and not gain weight? Yes it is. Here are a few tips that you can start following today to stay fit and glowing this festival season.

1. Look for your body signals: Decide that, no matter what, you will eat according to your internal hunger signals. Sometimes your craving for festival sweets gets on you and despite being full, you could eat another bite. But then, remind yourself of your goal, think about how you’ll feel after, and pass. Learn to express your appreciation with words.

2. Never go anywhere hungry: You can have an apple or a small serving of food as it fills you up and you will not feel hungry. Always have a little snack before going out for a party or anywhere these days. You can also have yogurt, cottage cheese and homemade trail mix like raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds, dried cherries, raisins, dark choc chips, etc.

3. Have your joy foods: Aim to eat whatever you truly enjoy. Don’t ever eat anything you don’t love. Whatever you’re eating, stop as soon as you stop loving it.

4. Move around: Forget formal exercise routine if it doesn’t work for you and move. Even a 10-minute walk in the morning or in the middle of the day in your pencil heels counts. Instead of coming up with excuses, turn them into strategies to work for you. Connect with family and friends, move, shake a leg, play and have loads of fun.

5. Stay hydrated: No matter what, always stay hydrated even if you are super busy. Keep your fluid level high; drink water throughout the day. Staying hydrated will help to prevent any headaches or exhaustion you might normally have during festivals. Water will also keep your skin hydrated and glowing.

6. Try homemade packs- Apply fresh lemon and tomato juice after washing your face. Wash it off after waiting for 10-15 minutes. Lemon contains citric acid, which can change the pH value of the skin. Also, you can apply tomato juice as it contains coolants that soothe the skin that absorb the excess oil from the face and gives you instant glow.

7. Photo facials for instant glow: Photo facials are especially good for treating fine lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth. This procedure is thought to reduce the appearance of large pores and dark circles around the eyes, and is especially effective in reducing chronic facial redness. This festive season, try these and surprise everyone with your glowing skin.

The writer is cosmetologist with Cosmetic Skin and Homeo Clinic, Delhi