Mumbai-based dietician Dr Eileen Canday says during the festive season one should begin their meals with fibrous foods like salads, soups and vegetables. Hydration in any form is useful because one can also have coconut water, buttermilk and fresh juices to compliment with water. Riya Desai, another city-based dietician adds that people can consume mini meals and not load themselves with sweets and fried foods. Adding a source of fibre and protein to each meal helps as they help in balancing the appetite and not lead to weight gain. Opt for dishes like low-fat shrikhand, kesar sweet or a tandoori platter and ditch dishes that require too much oil and fat to prepare. Photo Courtesy: istock

The two experts suggest that people should avoid being on an empty stomach for a long period of time and then consume foods. One should make sure they're not skipping breakfast and are also consuming small mid-meals during the day while travelling or celebrating to avoid over-eating throughout the day. Based on the events of the day, one can place small mid-meals in between. Photo Courtesy: istock

Avoid consuming a lot of processed foods, fried foods, sugary foods and alcoholic beverages. Since a lot of overeating happens during this time, it may lead to weight gain. A lot of high-calorie and fatty food and no physical activity leads to weight gain during the festivities. Photo Courtesy: istock

While some people will still end up gaining weight, the experts say they should go back to their restricted diet regime as soon as possible. They can also look at their activity pattern and their physical activity when they get back to their exercise. Since many of the farsan and sweets made during the season tend to run for many days after the festive period, people should remember to cook in moderation and not in excess. Photo Courtesy: istock

Avoid full-cream milk and opt for low-fat milk. Drink enough water to eliminate toxins from the body. Just like dieting, you need to exercise daily and sleep well to lose weight and stay healthy. One should make sure that they don’t follow any fad diets to lose weight as that is the unhealthiest way to go. Photo Courtesy: istock

Canday says those with diabetes should take special care during this time. Patients should control their glucose levels and ensure not to lose control even of their blood sugars. During the festive season, not only diabetics but also pregnant women who may probably unnecessarily put on too many kilos than what is medically or physiologically required for pregnancy, should be very careful and keep their weight in check. Photo Courtesy: istock