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The festive season is already in full swing and with Diwali just around the corner, the air is filled with joy, excitement, and the aroma of home-cooked delicacies. This time of year is all about celebrations, traditions, and cherished moments with family and friends. From Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi to Diwali, Christmas, and New Year’s, the months ahead are truly a time of togetherness and indulgence. Festivals in India are synonymous with abundance, rich sweets, savoury snacks, and elaborate spreads that bring people together. Every meal feels like a celebration of our culinary heritage, filled with recipes passed down through generations. But amid all the indulgence, a familiar question arises: how do we enjoy the festive flavours we love without the guilt of overindulgence or the worry of post-festive weight gain? At its core, the festive season is about connection, gratitude, and shared joy. And while food is central to every celebration, maintaining a balance between tradition and health can make the season even more enjoyable. The good news is that you don’t have to skip your favourite treats, a few thoughtful swaps and mindful choices can make all the difference as told by nutrition expert Sheela Krishnaswamy. Here are some simple ways to keep your celebrations delicious yet guilt-free: Grill or Roast Vegetables and Proteins Rather than deep-frying samosas and fritters, try grilling paneer, tofu, and vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and potatoes. Stir-frying a mix of baby corn, broccoli, carrots, beans, and fresh herbs with less oil can also add wonderful flavour. These choices are higher in fibre and vitamins, keeping you fuller for longer while minimising fat and calories. Incorporate Nutrient-Dense Nuts such as Almonds Almonds are rich in protein, fibre, and micronutrients. A small handful daily can help control hunger between meals and keep you satisfied. They also provide a boost of vitamin E and healthy fats without contributing to weight gain. Choose Homemade, Healthier Sweets Making traditional sweets at home allows you to manage the ingredients, reducing unnecessary sugar and unhealthy fats. For instance, coconut barfi made with jaggery serves as a healthier alternative that satisfies your sweet cravings. Select Whole Grains Over Refined Ones Replace white rice with brown rice, whole millets, or quinoa. Whole grains are abundant in fibre and nutrients, helping to balance blood sugar and provide sustained energy. They also prolong feelings of fullness, supporting weight management. You can also make small, everyday swaps that add up to a big difference: Almond Milk Over Regular Milk: Use almond milk in your cereal, coffee, or smoothies for a lighter, nutty alternative. Healthier Flours in Baking: Swap refined flour for almond flour to add more nutrients and a subtle flavour boost. Nut Butters Over Hydrogenated Oils: Replace hydrogenated fats often used in dishes like pav bhaji or samosas with almond butter for a more nutritious fat source and a distinct taste. Start your mornings with soaked almonds for an extra health boost. Just 20–24 almonds a day provide a powerful mix of healthy fats, protein, and fibre, supporting overall wellness and promoting radiant skin. Ultimately, the true essence of festivals lies in celebrating togetherness, sharing laughter, creating memories, and expressing gratitude. By embracing a mindful approach to food, you can enjoy every flavour and tradition without compromise. This year, let’s make the festive season not just about indulgence, but also about balance and well-being, a celebration where good health and great memories go hand in hand.
