Every Diwali we look for ways to make it a little more special. This year, let’s add a healthy twist to your delicacies for guilt-free indulgence.

This article answers your question about how to enjoy a safe and healthy Diwali with zero fears.

1. MAKE FRYING HEALTHY

Frying and healthy might sound contradictory but there are a few ways how you can make it work. Use heart-healthy oils rich in MUFA and PUFA like sesame oil, sunflower, canola oil and safflower oil to prepare your favourite savouries. Also, make sure you do not go beyond the smoke point of your oil. For frying your chakli, chivda or Vada avoid reusing the same oil. Reheating oil increases trans fat content and this is the bad fat harmful to your health.  

2. ADDING NUTS AND SEEDS

The easiest way to enjoy your Diwali goodies guilt-free is by ensuring a good amount of healthy ingredients in them. Add a handful of nuts or seeds to your Mothi Pak, Mysore Pak, Sandesh or halwa while preparing.  Nuts and seeds not just provide you with good fats, but also reduces the glycemic index of your sweets and prevent glucose spikes.

3. SWAP FOR SOFT DRINKS

It’s Diwali and the running never stops. It is very crucial for you to keep yourself hydrated. But this does not mean you have to stock your refrigerators with bottled juices and carbonated beverages. Get your hands on natural beverages like nimbu Paani, nariyal Paani, buttermilk, chaos etc and relish the true essence.  You can also welcome your guests with these traditional drinks and express your concern towards the health of your dear ones too.

4. REPLACE YOUR SUGARS

Finding a better alternative to sugar without compromising on taste may be the hardest part. Don’t worry, we have got you covered. Go for natural sweeteners like black dates, honey, and apple sauce. You can also mash a banana and add it to your recipe for sweetness. Refined sugars carry empty calories with no good nutrients. Replacing them with natural sweeteners will notch up your health and also satisfy your taste bud.

5. USE WHOLE-GRAIN FLOUR

Flours are the primary ingredient in any mithais or savouries. So, it is important to choose the right one. Instead of using refined Maida, make your delicacies with whole-grain flour. You can use rice flour, wheat flour, besan, urad flour or even millet flour. These are rich in fibre and are far better than your industrially processed refined flours. Before preparing a whole batch of delicacies, experiment in your kitchen with the best-suited flour.

6. USE HOME-BASED DIPS

All your fried items need a yummy partner. That’s when those packaged mayonnaise, cheeses and sauces come in. You can make easy and yummy dips at home. Mint chutney, hummus, and pesto sauces are some of the best options and trust me when I say they make the best partners for your fried delicacies.

7. SWAP FOR CHOCOLATES

Chocolates containing added sugars, preservatives and colouring may not be your best bet for a healthy Diwali.  Then do you have to prepare chocolates at home? Easier than that, you can make balls and crackers from nuts and seeds, or peanut brittles. When soulfully made, these are heaven. If this sounds complicated, you can also make a simpler choice by opting for dark chocolates which are loaded with nutrients.

Healthy eating does not always equate with no-fat, no-sugar or low-calorie foods. It is your choices and portion control that determine your health. This Diwali, appreciate your traditional roots and the varieties you have and make the best choices.