What healthy foods can you enjoy this festival season without guilt?

The festival season is a time of joy, celebration, and food! Whether it’s Diwali, Christmas, or any other festive event, we all look forward to the delicious treats that come with it. But sometimes, overindulgence in rich, sugary, and fried foods can leave us feeling sluggish or guilty. 

The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or tradition to eat healthier during the holidays. There are plenty of wholesome and tasty foods that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. Here’s how to keep your festive spirit high with healthy holiday eating tips.

Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

a) Practice Portion Control:

One of the best methods to savor your favourite festive dishes without consuming too much is to control the size of your portions.  Instead of eating a big plateful of sweets and snack foods that are fried, opt for smaller portions to satisfy your desire. So, you have the pleasure of eating your favorite desserts but in a way that is healthier for your body. It is one of the best healthy holiday eating tips. 

b) Balance Your Plate:

If you’re going to an event or hosting a party, be sure to make sure that your menu is balanced with food groups. For instance, make sure you fill your plate half with salad or vegetables and a quarter of protein and the final quarter is filled with carbohydrates. This approach is balanced and lets you indulge while still getting the nutrients your body requires.

c) Stay Hydrated:

We often confuse hunger with thirst. Drink plenty of fluids during the entire day particularly between meals and before. This is not just beneficial for digestion, but also prevents you from eating excessively. It is also a great way to drink festive drinks such as coconut water or fresh juices of fruit (without any added sugar) to keep you hydrated.

d) Eat Mindfully:

In the midst of festivals, it’s easy to get lost in the fun and eat your food without thinking. Take a moment to slow down to savor each bite and pay attention to the body’s signal. If you feel full, you should stop eating, even though there’s plenty of food available. Being mindful of your eating habits will help you have more enjoyment from your food and avoid overeating.

e) Include Healthy Snacks:

In between meals, go for healthier and lighter snacks such as nuts that have been roasted or fruit or made energy drinks. These choices will help ensure that your energy levels remain stable without burdening you with unhealthy sugars or fats.

Festival Food List: Healthy Alternatives

Many traditional food items are healthier when using healthy ingredients or cooking techniques. Here are a few suggestions to savor your favorite holiday foods guilt-free and the festival food list is given below:

a) Baked Samosas Instead of Fried Samosas:

Samosas are a favorite snack at festivals, but they’re typically deep-fried. The healthier alternative would be to cook the samosas rather than making them into a fryer. Utilize whole wheat flour to make the dough, and then make fillings with healthy ingredients such as potatoes, peas, and carrots. Baking helps reduce the amount of oil which makes them lighter, yet still crisp and delicious.

b) Roasted Dry Fruits Instead of Sugary Sweets:

Instead of eating sugary snacks and sweets, try eating dried, roasted fruits such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews. They’re packed with nutritious fats, fiber and vitamins. They can be lightly roasted with a variety of spices, including cinnamon or cardamom for a bit of flavor without sugar.

c) Grilled Paneer or Tofu:

Paneer is typically served in creamy, rich gravies at festivals, but you can eat it in a more healthy way by grilling it or baking it. Marinate paneer or tofu with the yogurt and spices and grill until it is golden. Serve it with a fresh dish of salad and whole wheat roti to make healthy and tasty food.

d) Fresh Fruit Chaat:

Fruit chaat can be a light and refreshing alternative to sugary sweets that are heavy. Mix a range of fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, pomegranate and oranges. Sprinkle it with a pinch of lemon juice or chaat masala. This healthy snack will satisfy your craving for sweetness without the necessity of refined sugar.

e) Jaggery-Based Sweets:

If you’re looking for something sweet, try recipes that use jaggery (unrefined sugar) instead of white sugar. Jaggery is a rich source of minerals and has an index of glycemic reduction, which makes it a healthier option. Popular sweets during festivals such as tilgul (sesame & jaggery ladoos) or Chikki (peanut brittle) made with jaggery are delicious choices that are sweet with additional health benefits.

Diwali Festival Food: Healthier Versions

Diwali is a time for big celebrations and food plays a major part. A lot of Diwali festival foods are high in sugar, calories and fat. However it is possible to love these foods with a healthier variation. Here, are a few Diwali dishes you can eat in peace:

a) Baked Chakli:

Chakli, a snack that is crispy typically deep-fried. But you can bake chakli to make an alternative that’s healthier and equally delicious and crunchy. The use of whole grain flour, or multigrain flour gives you extra fiber and vitamins. 

b) Low-Fat Kheer:

Kheer is an ancient Indian dessert made from rice, milk and sugar. To make it healthier you can use almond or skim milk and substitute sugar made from white with natural sweeteners such as jaggery or honey. It is also possible to include chia seeds or other nuts to increase the nutritional value of the milk. It is the best diwali festival food. 

c) Steamed Dhokla:

Dhokla can be described as a steam-cooked, savory cake made of chickpea flour and rice fermented that makes it a nutritious and protein-rich snack. Since it’s steamed rather than cooked it’s naturally low on calories and is easy to stomach which makes it an ideal food option to enjoy during celebrations.

d) Fruit and Nut Laddoos:

Instead of laddoos that are sugary, you can make your own using dried fruit such as nuts, and seeds. Blend dates, cashews, almonds, cashews along with a small amount of coconut desiccated into small balls. These sweets are packed with natural sweetness, and are abundant in vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

Conclusion

The season of festivals is a chance to be joyful, indulge in delicious food and make memories with your loved ones. With just a few easy changes and paying attention to the food you consume and drink, you can indulge in all the festive food you love without guilt. 

With healthier versions of classic recipes, following the festival food list and tips you’ll be able to stay in line to meet your health and fitness goals and still enjoy the spirit of the holiday season.