Eating healthier options of food items during the festive season can help you maintain health by balancing nutrition with indulgence. Festive seasons like Diwali often have an abundance of sugar and fried foods, which if consumed in large quantities can cause digestive problems, high blood sugar levels and lethargy. By choosing nutrient-rich alternatives to traditional favourite foods, you can enjoy the festivals without compromising on health. Keep reading as we are sharing a list of foods that you can adopt to stay healthy this festive season.
Here are 10 food options you can try to stay healthy this festive season
1. Nutty Laddoos
Choose laddoos made with nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts and chia seeds, paired with dates or honey for sweetness. This variation provides healthy fats, fibre and natural sugars, keeping blood sugar levels stable and providing longer-lasting energy than sugar-laden laddoos.
2. Baked Samosas
Use whole wheat or multigrain flour and bake the samosas instead of frying them. Baking reduces the amount of oil significantly, making them easier to digest and still giving them a familiar taste. Multigrain flour also contains fibre, which aids satiety and digestion.
3. Dark Chocolate Treats
Opt for sweets made with dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants and has less sugar than milk chocolate. Dark chocolate not only satisfies hunger with a better taste but also supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
4. Jaggery-based sweets
Desserts sweetened with jaggery provide trace minerals like iron and potassium, unlike refined sugar. Jaggery is also easy on the liver and promotes digestive health, making it a great option for festive occasions.
5. Fruit and Nut Halwa
Use fruits like bananas, dates or figs along with nuts as a healthy base for halwa. This variation replaces refined flour with fibre-rich, natural ingredients that provide vitamins and minerals, making it nutritious and easy to digest.
6. Grilled Paneer Tikka
Grilling paneer instead of frying it makes this popular appetiser low-fat. Paneer is rich in protein and calcium, which maintain muscle health and energy levels, while grilling gives a delicious smoky flavour without the extra oil.
7. Coconut Water-Based Desserts
Using coconut water as a base for desserts provides natural electrolytes that aid in hydration and detoxification. This variation reduces saturated fat intake while enhancing the flavor with a tropical twist.
8. Sweet Potato Chaat
Replace fried potatoes with roasted or boiled sweet potatoes, which are rich in fiber and vitamin A. Sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, which means they cause less of a spike in blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy.
9. Whole Wheat Kheer
Rice can be replaced with whole wheat or millets like foxtail or barnyard in kheer. These grains are more nutrient-dense, with more fiber and vitamins that support digestive health, especially during the fun season.
10. Greek Yogurt Shrikhand
Use Greek yoghurt as the base of the shrikhand to increase the protein content and reduce the fat. Greek yoghurt is also a probiotic, which improves gut health and aids digestion, making you feel lighter during the festive season.
These variations allow you to enjoy the festive spirit with delicious recipes that are satisfying as well as helpful for overall health.
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