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The illuminating festival of lights Diwali is just around the corner. It's also a time when traditional sweets and snacks are exhaustively prepared and shared among friends and family. Indulging in some of these snacks does complete our Diwali experience, but for those of us with one eye on our fitness, these treats do contain a high amount of sugar and calories. You may be wondering how to maintain your sugar level during this festive season.
But fear not, you can still enjoy the festive spirit while staying fit and healthy. In this blog, we'll explore some healthy alternatives to traditional Diwali sweets that will help you enjoy your Diwali to the fullest without compromising on your health.
Healthy alternatives to traditional Diwali sweets
Date and Nut Laddoos
Instead of calorie-rich and sugar-laden besan or motichoor laddoos, consider making date and nut laddoos. Dates are naturally sweet and contain many nutrients. Combine them with a variety of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios, and you'll have a delicious and energy-boosting treat. You can also add a touch of cardamom or saffron for that traditional Diwali twist.
Baked or Air-Fried Snacks
Most of the snacks you see during Diwali are deep-fried, which could be a health concern when consumed disproportionately. An excellent way to use technology for health reasons is to air-fry or bake these snacks to reduce the amount of unhealthy oils and fats used. You can air-fry pakoras, tikkis or even bake samosas this Diwali to make a health-conscious choice in the way you enjoy your snacks.
Fresh Fruit Chaat
We all love to line up at the local chaatwaala to have delicious chat during Diwali. One equally tasty but healthier alternative to this is fresh fruit chaat. Mix seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, pomegranates, and papayas with a dash of lemon juice, chaat masala, and a sprinkle of roasted cumin seeds. This fruity delight is not only delicious but also provides essential vitamins and fibre.
Ragi or Whole Wheat Ladoo
Traditional sweets are often made with refined flour, which lacks essential nutrients. Swap them for ragi or whole wheat flour to up the nutritional quotient. Ragi or whole wheat laddoos are made with whole grains and provide a good dose of dietary fibre. You can sweeten them naturally with jaggery or honey.
Yogurt-Based Sweets
Yogurt-based sweets are a healthier alternative to the calorie-laden mithai. You can prepare dishes like Shrikhand, Sandesh, or Mishti Doi with low-fat yoghurt and natural sweeteners like honey or even sugar-free sweeteners. These sweets offer probiotics, which can benefit your digestive health.
Dry-Fruit Chikki
Dry-fruit chikki is a delightful and nutritious snack for Diwali. Made with roasted nuts and seeds bound together with jaggery, it's a tasty combination of protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. You can experiment with different nut and seed combinations to suit your taste.
Healthy Granola
Crunchy and naturally sweetened granola is one of the healthiest snacks one can have this Diwali. It is extremely easy to prepare. Just take some toasted rolled oats and add a variety of nuts and seeds. Add a little honey and bake the mixture for a few minutes. You can also add dried fruit like raisins and cranberries after baking. Granola bars or a box of granola also makes for a healthy Diwali gift.
Sugar-Free Sweets
For those who are watching their sugar intake, there are numerous sugar-free sweets available in the market. These sweets are often sweetened with alternatives like stevia or artificial sweeteners. While they can be a convenient option, it's essential to consume them in moderation, as excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners can have its own set of health concerns.
Diwali is a time for celebration and indulgence, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise your health and fitness goals. By opting for these healthy alternatives to traditional sweets and snacks, you can enjoy the festive season guilt-free. But remember to remain cautious of over-indulgence and practice portion control.
If you want more tips on how to enjoy healthy Diwali snacks, download the FITPASS app and sign up for a FITFEAST membership. An expert nutritionist will be assigned to you who can draw up taste-specific and healthy meal plans tailored to your needs so that you can enjoy Diwali festivities while also ensuring a healthy and nutritious diet.
