It's the time of year to ditch your exercise regimen and diet for Diwali. Giving yourself a respite and indulging in your favourite Diwali sweets while spending time with family, friends, and relatives is the most anticipated celebration of the year.
We don't mean to be critical, but it might be difficult to resist the rich and delectable Diwali treats when your entire family is chowing down on them.
No festival in India is complete without family, laughter, and an abundance of delicious snacks and desserts. But as lovely as these foods and sweets are, you know that after the Diwali lights go out and the gorgeous rangoli fades, you'll regret the weight you gained in just five days.
Since Diwali only occurs once a year, there is nothing wrong with indulging in festive sweets. However, if you want to avoid feeling depressed about breaking your diet, prepare and eat some nutritious snacks and treats instead. You may be healthy and still indulge in your favourite Diwali desserts and savoury foods.
Benefits Of Healthy Snacking
Consistent Levels of Energy
The rise in energy levels throughout the day is one of the most noticeable advantages of eating nutritious snacks. Healthy snacking keeps your blood sugar steady as opposed to the wild ride of sugar spikes and drops that come with unhealthy eating.
You're providing a steady stream of energy to your body when you reach for a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit. That means an end to sluggishness and afternoon slumps after a large lunch.
Control of Weight
Eating well-balanced snacks is crucial to keeping a healthy weight. Selecting snacks that are abundant in essential nutrients, protein, and fibre will help you avoid overindulging during your main meals. Nutritious snacks may also aid in the reduction of mindless, unhealthy nibbling, which can add on extra pounds.
Consider crunchy carrots, Greek yogurt, or a piece of lean protein instead of chips or candy. Not only can these selections satisfy your hunger, but they also assist you in choosing healthier meals overall.
In addition, eating snacks with a well-balanced nutritional profile will enhance your complexion, hair, and skin, making you look and feel healthier from the inside out.
The Top 7 Nutritious Diwali Snack Ideas
Here are seven healthy snack ideas specially designed for Diwali 2023, These tasty, nutrient-dense snack options are excellent for your general health:
1. Baked Namak Pare
Deepavali snacks must include Namak Pare, those crispy, savoury jewels of joy. Try baking them instead of deep-frying them. Just combine whole wheat flour, a tiny bit of oil, and salt to make the dough, roll it thin, and cut it into diamond shapes.
Turn them golden brown in the oven. Although they are baked instead than fried, these Namak Pare are just as crunchy and delicious. They also use a lot less oil.
2. Roasted Chana
Due to its rich fibre and protein content, roasted chickpeas or chana make a great addition to any Diwali snack table. Use chaat masala, coriander, and cumin to give them a true taste. Simply bake them until they become crispy, and you'll have a high-protein, guilt-free snack.
3. Multi-grain Chiwda
Another mainstay of Diwali is chhiwda, which is often fried in oil. Try a multigrain version for a healthier twist. You can add nuts, spices, roasted whole grains, and puffed rice. Brush with a little oil to cook them all at once. It tastes and crumples just perfectly without being overly fatty.
4. Baked Samosas
Everyone likes samosas because of their delicious stuffing of potatoes and spices. The deep-fried version, though, can be very substantial. To make your samosas healthy, bake them instead. Bake potatoes with seasonings and boil them, then fill them with a whole wheat pastry. After giving them a light oil brushing, bake them till golden brown. You'll feel better about yourself and not miss the fried version.
5. Fruit and Nut Barfi
A delicious Diwali treat is barfi. But it's usually loaded with ghee and sugar. A healthy alternative would be to make a fruit and nut barfi. Use dates, figs, or apricots as dried fruits to naturally sweeten the barfi. Mix cashews, pistachios, and almonds for a tasty crunch. Your sweet tooth will be satiated by these nutrient-dense foods without using excessive amounts of fat or sugar.
6. Baked Mathri
With its crunchy, flaky texture, baked mathri is a Diwali staple. But deep-frying them can make them more calorically dense. To enjoy this delicious snack guilt-free, try baking them.
Roll out your whole wheat dough, cut it into the desired shape, and bake it. Grease them lightly with oil and bake till golden brown. Your waistline will thank you for the satisfying crunch of this baked mathri.
7. Nutty Laddus
Laddus are a traditional Diwali dessert; however they're typically made with sugar and ghee. For a nutritious substitute, try nutty laddus. Mix together almonds, cashews, and walnuts. To taste, add honey or jaggery to sweeten. Form the ingredients into small laddus for a tasty, guilt-free dessert that is full of nutrients and healthy fats.
Conclusion
Although Diwali is a time for celebration, you shouldn't let your health suffer as a result. With less added sugar, oil, and calories, these healthier take on the beloved Deepavali flavours and textures are still enjoyable. So, this holiday season, spread the Diwali atmosphere throughout your house and enjoy some tasty and nourishing snacks.
These are wise decisions, and your body will appreciate you for them, allowing you to enjoy the celebration guilt-free. We hope you have a wonderful, guilt-free Diwali filled with love, light food, and delectable snacks!
For more healthy snack options and Diwali gift options, click here.