As the festivities of the Diwali season begin, it brings along a lavish spread of traditional sweets and snacks. However, nutrition experts caution that these festive foods, often fried and high in sugar, may pose health risks, particularly for individuals with diabetes, weight concerns, or other health conditions. With caution and moderation one can definitely enjoy the festival in a healthier manner.
Health Risks Associated with Festive Eating:
In general, lifestyle diseases and non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart issues, and weight gain are on the rise. This makes it important to adopt healthy habits, engage in an active lifestyle, and abide by healthy dietary habits.
The festive season, including Diwali, should be no exception to healthy eating. While enjoying festive treats is understandable, moderation is key to preventing health complications.
Reducing sugar content is recommended when preparing Diwali snacks. This is crucial for those with diabetes, in particular. Nutritionists suggest using natural sweeteners like dates, figs, and raisins instead of sugar, as they are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Deep fried items are a red flag, as they increase the risk of weight gain. For this reason, baking or air-frying is encouraged as a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Healthier snack options may include roasted peanut chivda, oats laddoos, and rajgira (amaranth) laddoos. Adding grains such as wheat, oats, millet, and ragi (finger millet) to snacks like laddoos and karanjis boosts both fiber and protein content.
In the past, families shared festive snacks in moderation, but today, these items are available in greater quantities, especially during Diwali. Light physical activities like walking, yoga, or simple stretching exercises help maintain stable blood sugar levels. While the issue is often not fasting but feasting, with some simple precautions, Diwali treats can certainly be enjoyed healthily.
To further promote healthy eating during Diwali, nutritionists provide these tips:
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Consume energy-boosting foods in the morning.
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Use healthy oils: Opt for oils like sesame or olive oil, free of harmful trans fats.
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Minimize sweet intake: If you crave sweets, consume them in small portions.
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Avoid calorie-dense ‘sugar-free’ sweets: These may still contain unhealthy ingredients.
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Eat Diwali snacks in moderation: Follow a “one snack in the morning, one snack in the evening” approach.
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Include dry fruit-based laddoos: Laddoos made from dry fruits and poppy seeds help stabilize blood sugar levels.
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Increase protein intake: Use roasted peanuts, mung beans, or chickpeas in recipes to boost protein levels.
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One must drink lot of water throughout the day especially during the festive season to keep themselves hydrated and prevent dryness.
Having sweets in moderation and not giving up on an active routine can help one enjoy the festivities of Diwali. For healthy nutritional tips – CLICK HERE.
