How to cut down on sugar after Diwali without feeling miserable

Diwali has a way of turning even the most disciplined eaters into sweet enthusiasts. Between laddoos, jalebis, kaju katli, and boxes of soan papdi making the rounds, it’s safe to say most of us have gone a little overboard. Now that the lights have dimmed and the sweets are slowly disappearing, your body might be craving a reset. Cutting down sugar doesn’t mean cutting out joy. Here’s how to ease your way back without feeling deprived.

Start by resetting your taste buds
The first step is to stop adding sugar where you can control it. Skip that spoon in your tea or coffee for a few days. Choose plain yogurt instead of the sweetened kind. Within a week, your palate starts adjusting, and suddenly that extra-sweet mithai won’t seem so irresistible.

Hydrate before you crave
Sugar cravings often show up when you’re just thirsty. Sip water regularly through the day. Coconut water or plain lime water can also help flush out the post-festival sluggishness.

Swap, don’t ban
Going cold turkey rarely works. If you usually reach for a sweet snack, replace it with dates, figs, or fruit. A bowl of fresh papaya or apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon can satisfy the craving without the crash.

Keep breakfast clean
Festive leftovers are tempting, but starting your day with sugar keeps your blood glucose swinging all day. Go for idlis, upma, eggs, or parathas with curd. Once your breakfast is balanced, you’re less likely to crave sweets later.

Read your labels
Even the foods that look “healthy” can be loaded with hidden sugars—granola bars, flavoured oats, packaged smoothies. Check the ingredient list for anything ending in “ose” (like glucose, sucrose, fructose). You’ll be surprised how much sugar sneaks in.

Stock your kitchen smartly
The easiest way to stop eating sweets is not to have them around. Clear out leftover boxes or gift them away. Keep nuts, roasted chana, or makhana handy instead. When your snacks are sorted, your willpower doesn’t have to work as hard.

Sleep it off
Lack of sleep increases sugar cravings and dulls your metabolism. The festival rush often throws sleep schedules off. Try getting back to 7–8 hours a night. You’ll notice your cravings calm down naturally.

Be kind to yourself
If you slip up and grab that one remaining peda, don’t make it a guilt trip. Festivals are meant to be enjoyed. What matters is getting back to balance the next day, not punishing yourself for the indulgence.