India, Nov. 7 -- Diwali weekend is here, and so is the familiar panic. The sweets have arrived, plans have been made, and somewhere between the first box of laddu and the third family visit, eating starts to feel like a test you are quietly failing. Also read | From kaju katli to laddoos: Oncologist explains how festive sweet indulgence and sugar affect body and cancer risk

The most common Diwali strategy is also the one experts warn against most: going hungry all day to make room for a big dinner. It sounds logical, but it usually backfires by making hunger harder to control later. Dr Hozefa Runderawala, consultant gastroenterologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, framed Diwali eating as a question of balance rather than denial.

He said, ...