Poila Boishakh 2026: How to enjoy feasts without overloading sugar, salt and oil?

During Poira Boishakh, enjoy delicious food without going hungry. Use these tips to eat a balanced diet and control portion size.

Poira Boishakh is an opportunity to celebrate culture, tradition, family, and enjoy an incredible amount of delicious food. Traditional Bengali food for this occasion includes luchi, kosher mangsho, different types of fish, pulao, sweets and desserts. This means that an incredible amount of food is consumed during these celebrations. Overeating during celebrations can lead to problems for many people afterwards, including bloating, heaviness, and digestive issues. However, it is possible to enjoy a festive meal without compromising your digestive health.

What are the side effects of overeating?

“One of the biggest problems we see after festivals is that many people tend to overeat, eat too often, and consume too many high-fat, high-sodium and high-sugar foods,” Dr. Saswata Chatterjee, a gastroenterologist at CMRI’s CK Birla Hospital, told Healthshots.

Keeping your meals balanced and at consistent times throughout the day will help your digestive system cope better with the luxuries that food can throw at you.
The basic rule is not to skip breakfast or lunch if you plan to eat a lot later.
If you eat a large meal on an empty stomach and don’t eat anything beforehand, the acidity in your stomach increases after the meal, which can cause heartburn (reflux) and make you feel bloated after the meal, three problems that need to be addressed.
Starting your day with a light meal like fruits, oats, or poha will help control your appetite.

appetite — Eating fruits, oats or poha in the morning can reduce hunger. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

What should I avoid during Poila Boishak?

Another factor that is often neglected is hydration. Especially on a mid-summer day like Poila Boishakh.

Inadequate water intake can increase acidity, cause constipation, and slow digestion. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and consuming other liquids, such as coconut water or homemade beverages, will help your digestive system function more smoothly.
High sugar and high caffeine drinks should be avoided as they can increase bloating and acidity. If you already have digestive problems (such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, fatty liver disease, or gastritis), you should be even more careful about the types of foods you eat.
Avoiding fried foods, eating too much red meat, eating too many heavy, sugary sweets, and eating late at night can cause inflammation. A simple tip is not to lie down immediately after eating. Instead, go for a short walk to aid digestion and relieve post-meal discomfort.

How can I control portion size?

Portion control is probably the best way to enjoy festive food without overtaxing your body. “Traditional Bengali meals consist of several courses, so eat slowly in small portions rather than heaping everything on one plate. That way, your stomach will know when it’s full and you’ll avoid overeating, says the gastroenterologist. Dishes with rich sauces, fried appetizers, and desserts can all be enjoyed, but the portions of each are limited.”

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