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Light Up Your Diwali, Lighten Up Your Plate

Light Up Your Diwali, Lighten Up Your Plate
  • 28 October, 2024

Light Up Your Diwali, Lighten Up Your Plate


Diwali, the festival of lights, is commonly associated with happiness, festivity, and, let's be honest, tasty treats! You don't have to give up your health objectives just because there are a lot of sugary snacks and treats at this time of year. Enjoy the holiday feast without jeopardizing your health by being mindful and making some adjustments. This is how!

1.    Watch Your Serving Sizes
There will be an abundance of sugary treats, fried appetizers, and savory foods throughout Diwali. Even though it's tempting to eat everything on the plate, moderation is key to staying healthy. Instead of depriving yourself, enjoy smaller servings of your favorite foods. Remember, the taste and experience matter, not the quantity!

      Veggies and protein-rich foods like paneer, dal, or chana should make up a balanced portion on smaller plates when you serve yourself.

2.      Opt for More Healthful Sweets
Sugar, ghee, and refined flour are common ingredients in traditional Diwali desserts like gulab jamun, laddoos, and barfis. Even though these are party essentials, there are healthy options that include jaggery, dates, almonds, and coconut. In addition to having less refined sugar, these varieties are packed with beneficial fats and fiber, which enhances their nutritional value. You can have more Healthy Dessert Recipes: Nut and date laddoos, chikkis made with jaggery are a great choice.You may satiate your sweet tooth and get some vitamins and minerals from fruit-based sweets, such as those made with figs, bananas, or berries.

3.     Add Foods High in Protein
Consuming protein can help you feel full for longer, which in turn stabilizes your blood sugar and reduces your cravings for sugary foods. Lentils, chickpeas, yogurt, paneer, tofu, and almonds are protein-rich options that should be part of your Diwali meal plan.
Here are some Idea for a Protein-Rich Snack: roasted chickpeas are a crispy substitute for fried treats, Paneer tikka or grilled tofu and Nuts with seasonings, delicious and portable snack, these nuts are a combination of almonds, cashews, and pistachios that have been lightly roasted and seasoned with herbs.

4.       Make Classic Recipes More Appetizing
Frying and an abundance of oil and ghee characterize most Diwali specialties. Although these additives enhance flavor, they may also add calories that aren't necessary. Swap out the deep fryer for an oven or air fryer and give classic Indian foods like samosas, kachoris, and chaklis a try. To make it healthy, you can use olive oil or coconut oil in place of some of the ghee or oil. For a calorie-conscious alternative to fried food, try steamed modaks or momos. To reduce the amount of oil needed, try baking or grilling some traditional tandoori appetizers.

5.      Keep Yourself Hydrated
In all the fun of celebrating Diwali with friends and family, it's easy to forget the need of staying hydrated. In addition to aiding digestion, maintaining an adequate fluid intake prevents the common misunderstanding that thirst equals appetite. If you're looking for a sugar-free or carbonated beverage substitute, try lemon water, coconut water or herbal teas. Water that has been "infused" with flavors such as cucumber, mint, or citrus fruits is a great way to liven up plain water.

6.      Eating with Purpose
Sharing a meal with loved ones is just one of the many ways that festivals bring people together. Eat slowly, with pleasure, and relish each bite instead of mindlessly eating. Being more attuned to your body's signals for fullness and hunger can be achieved via regular mindfulness practice. Savor each bite by paying attention to the food's scent, texture, and flavor. Keep your hands free of electronic devices like phones and TVs while you eat.

7.      Keep Sugary Drinks and Alcohol to a Minimum

Many Diwali celebrations feature heavy consumption of sweet and alcoholic beverages, which add empty calories to the diet. Drink water or other non-sugary drinks on an as-needed basis and cut back on alcoholic beverages if you must. Spiced buttermilk (chaas) or moderately sweetened lemonade or fresh fruit mocktails made without added sugar, are great homemade alternatives to sugary sodas and store-bought fruit juices.

8.      Incorporate a Regular Exercise Routine
You can counteract all those extra sweets by keeping active during the holiday season. Gather the family together for some exercise by going for a run, doing yoga, or even just dancing. Add some joy by inviting someone you care about!

Food plays a significant role in the Diwali festival, which is a time to enjoy with those you care about. One can enjoy the tasty treats of Diwali without sacrificing their health if they are careful and choose healthier options. Happy Diwali and here’s to a joyful, healthy, and guilt-free festive season!

 

 

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