With everything extravagant and elaborate, an Indian wedding is rightly called the “Big Fat Indian Wedding”. When it comes to other preparations like jewellery, food, clothes, décor etc. couples and families tend to go overboard but if there is one thing that everyone wants to cut down upon, it’s their weight.
Lose weight the right way!
The soon-to-be brides and grooms are always keen on shedding few kilos, in an attempt to look the best on their big day. But what is equally important is to ensure that you lose weight the right way. Remaining fit and healthy throughout the duration of your wedding celebrations will make sure you stay energetic for all the rituals and ceremonies, look happier and brighter and enjoy each moment of the day. Hence, do not starve yourself on juice cleanses and soup detox diets but get on a healthy and sensible diet plan a few months, in advance of the D- day. A well-fed couple makes for a happy couple, isn’t it?
Five Indian Superfoods
Indian weddings are synonymous with ceremonies and rituals. The customs may vary based on caste and region but few common threads still unite them all. Food rituals in weddings that have been in place since hundreds of years not only have symbolic significances but are also living traditions telling us what to eat for that thinner body and glowing skin. And does modern science agree with it? The answer is an astounding yes.
1. Rice
Ayurveda celebrates rice as the symbol of fertility and sustenance. It is no wonder then that newly-weds get showered with rice. Modern-day nutritionists are in sync with this ancient wisdom but put it a little differently. Firstly, rice being a “Prebiotic” acts as important stimulant to promote the growth of probiotic bacteria. Prebiotics are very important to induce changes in the composition of the gut microbial populations. Healthy gut flora is a key pillar in the foundation for healthy fertility, for both men and women. Secondly, rice is rich in B vitamins and has inositol. Fascinating new research reveals that along with B-Complex vitamins, Inositol can help your body break down fats that accumulate in the liver. It is known as a lipotropic agent and helps promote the redistribution of fat when losing weight.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is the quintessential in Indian weddings. No wedding is complete without the’ haldi’ ceremony. And it is not hard to guess why. Haldi has long been celebrated as the “detox” agent by Ayurveda as it is known to improve and regulate liver function. Rich in antioxidants & anti- inflammatory properties, turmeric latte or “haldi doodh” is the ultimate immune booster your body needs to protect itself from catching any infections. It is also one of the tastiest and “no-fuss recovery drink” to have when you are drop dead tired or fatigued after shopping, socializing and running trials for your wedding outfits.
3. Coconut
Coconut is regarded as a divine offering to ensure the marriage stays blessed. The coconut ritual goes by the bride and her father placing a coconut in the groom’s hands. At the same time, coconuts are also considered a symbol of prosperity in India. The coconut tree is not called the “Kalpavriksha” meaning the “tree of life” for nothing. The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) in coconut is a unique group of essential fatty acids, for they get utilised or metabolized immediately by the body to be used as energy and not stored as fat. Coconut is made up of a special fatty acid called lauric acid, which unlike many saturated fats, actually accelerates weight loss. It also helps reduce the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and many other health problems.
4. Ghee
There is no puja or any ceremony that can take place without ghee being an integral part of it. It is the Food of the Gods. Contrary to popular belief, Dietary Fats are crucial to burn the fats in the body (i.e. body triglycerides) Ghee is especially unique amongst all dietary fats due to the presence of SCFA (short chain fatty acid). The SCFA in ghee makes it “lipolytic”- that which breaks down body fat and aids in weight loss. Not only that, rubbing ghee on the soles of your feet with your palms just before going to bed will induce restful sleep, and ensure you wake up feeling lighter.
5. Sugar
This might come as a surprise! But the sweet taste is considered by Ayurveda as the most important of all of the six tastes. Importantly, the taste is associated with the positive emotions of happiness, cheerfulness, love and satisfaction. Hence, sugar is a part of all happy celebrations in our country. But what kind? Not the kind that is industrialized and chemically derived, called as HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) that is in your colas, cakes, chocolates, biscuits, flavoured powders, cookies, canned juices etc. Use sugar moderately in ladoos, moong daal halwa and homemade dryfruit and nut bars. These foods keep blood sugar levels stable and can go a long way in making you feel more energetic and lighter for the rest of the day.
Wishing you a great beginning to a healthy and happy marriage!
This guest post was contributed by Munmun Ganeriwal, Nutritionist & Fitness Consultant.
Munmun Ganeriwal, founder of Yuktahaar, is a well-known Mumbai-based Dietitian, Nutritionist & Fitness Consultant specializing in Indian food diets. An ardent advocate of local & traditional Indian food, she is India’s only professional to have acquired both a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Science and International Certification of Health Fitness Instructor from the American College of Sports Medicine. She has been studying & practicing Iyengar Yoga. Over the last 15 years, she has worked as a Nutrition and Exercise Consultant with a diverse set of clients from all walks of life.