Who knows what tomorrow brings… Kal ho na ho…

This picture, for me, was the scariest image I saw this Halloween. Kids who need to question the nature of candy? This reality takes away the joy of food. As for the nutritional allergies mentioned – allergy to milk, wheat, nuts, these are becoming more prevalent than ever before. Once afflicted, it severely diminishes your choices of what you can and cannot eat.

We live to eat which means that food is the most important aspect of life, our sustenance depends on it. Philosophy says live in the moment, enjoy every activity you partake in to the fullest. Put the two together and what do you get – an instruct to enjoy what you eat – every morsel, every bite.

Those who are fond of food, hold on to that love but do it justice. Don’t just gobble- leave that to the turkeys. Eat slow, savour every boondi in that ladoo! When finished, don’t taint that pleasure by feeling guilty about the calories consumed. Do your penance – work those calories off. So this Diwali when goodies arrive at the doorstep, sent by friends and well wishers, don’t turn away from the happiness. Ration the sweets, don’t finish the entire box in one day. Opt for half portions if your worried about the calorie overload. It is only the tongue that tastes and sends the triggers of happiness to the brain. So increase the time on the tongue. The stomach is just going to “mash it up” so avoid sending the food down fast.

Let this Diwali be a guilt-free Diwali. Live it up. Partake in the sweets, nuts, goodies. If afternoons and evenings are times of celebrations and pujas, mornings are a time to pay obeisance to your body. Work off those extra calories you are inevitably consuming. Work out and work on a balance of the input and outflow.

Today if you are able to eat without questioning every ingredient, you are indeed blessed. So enjoy every moment this Diwali season!

p.s. Do look back on what I have written about nuts and alcohol and apply that too this festive season!