Festivals are incomplete without food. From sweets, drinks to savory dishes, everything is in demand during this season. Hence eating healthy, at this time, becomes challenging.
However, you need not worry! Here in this section, we have listed down some healthy options for festive foods. Nutritious, yet traditional, these food options will help you stay fit, hale and hearty throughout the season.
Sweets and Desserts
You can enjoy your favorite sweets and desserts by replacing certain ingredients with healthier options. You can use –
➢ Jaggery, honey, or monk fruit extract instead of sugar
➢ Fat-free milk instead of whole milk
➢ Fruits and nuts as toppings instead of icing sugar
➢ Dark chocolate instead of chocolate
Meals
For meals like lunch and dinner, you can follow the below tips:
➢ Eat baked, roasted, or grilled food instead of fried food items.
➢ Amaranth or rajgira is another super food to boost the immune system. It can be used instead of rice in various preparations.
➢ Amaranth flour can also be used to make lavash, baked mathis, papdi. You can eat this immune boosting food ith hung curd dip as snacks.
➢ You can include quinoa in your healthy diet plan. This super food is rich in protein, fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Use it instead of rice to prepare pulao, poha, etc.
➢ Opt for whole wheat pasta, soba noodles, etc. Whole grain food is good for health as compared to the starches as it contains high amount of fibre, calcium, iron, fiber etc.
➢ Consume frozen fruit sorbets or yogurts instead of gelato and ice creams; milkshakes, lime juice instead of cola or carbonated drinks.
Things to Keep in Mind
➢ Avoid heavy meals since most of us are at home, without any activity.
➢ Don’t skip meals to compensate heavy foods. It can cause acidity.
➢ Have meals 2-3 hours before bedtime.
➢ If you have a small family gathering planned, ensure your meals throughout the day are healthier, lighter and well balanced.
➢ Restrict alcohol and be selective with your drinks. Portion control is of utmost importance.
➢ Drink lots of water and fluids.
By eating healthy and nutritious food you can keep your immunity and metabolism strong. It will not only help you live a healthier lifestyle but will also help you fight the novel COVID-19 virus – that still exists among us.
Finally do no indulge in wrong means to shed to those extra kilos. Instead, take advice from a proper nutritionist or a dietitian. Kanupriya Khanna is one such dietician in Delhi, who can help you with a healthy diet plan. With innovative recipes, cooking tips, meal ideas, she can help you stay healthy and fit – be it any day, any season.