Had lots of sweets and snacks this Diwali? Your body might need a reset: Nutritionist warns about the health effects of overindulgence

As the festive season brings in tables laden with sweets, fried snacks, and rich delicacies, most people find themselves reaching for “just one more bite.” But according to renowned nutritionist Lovneet Batra, your body doesn’t share that enthusiasm. It works overtime to restore balance after a binge, and the aftermath can linger long after the celebration ends.

In a recent Instagram post titled 'Overate this Diwali? Let's hit reset', Batra explained how festive indulgence can throw several key body systems off track. Her insights, reported by The Indian Express, reveal what really happens inside your body after overindulging in sweets, snacks, and heavy meals.

When Celebration Turns into Overload

“Your body works overtime to restore balance — and it’s not always fun,” Batra wrote in her post, describing how digestion slows down after overeating. The stomach becomes overloaded, leading to bloating, heaviness, and discomfort. High-fat and high-sugar meals also cause blood sugar spikes, triggering insulin surges that often lead to energy crashes and post-meal drowsiness.


But that’s not all. “Processed and fried foods create free radicals,” she explained, adding that this leads to inflammation and oxidative stress, putting extra strain on the liver and gut.

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A post shared by Lovneet Batra (@lovneetb)

The Gut Takes a Hit

According to Batra, our gut microbiome — the network of good bacteria in the digestive system — suffers the most during festive eating. When loaded with rich, oily, and sugary food, these microbes become imbalanced, leading to gas, bloating, and irregular digestion.

She also pointed out that high salt intake can lead to water retention, causing puffiness and temporary bloating — the kind that makes you feel sluggish and weighed down the next morning.

The takeaway, Batra suggests, is not to deprive yourself but to practice mindfulness while celebrating. “Enjoy the food, but give your body time to recover,” she advises. Staying hydrated, including fiber-rich foods, and spacing out meals after a binge can help the body return to equilibrium faster.

Batra, a clinical nutritionist known for her evidence-based and holistic approach, believes in sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes. She is also the author of 50 Desi Super Drinks, a book that promotes natural, traditional ways of maintaining health.