Holi, the festival of colors, is around the corner, and we all are excited to celebrate it with our loved ones. This vibrant festival is not just about colors but also about mouth-watering delicacies like gujiyas, malpuas, thandai, and other delicious treats. However, if you are health-conscious or following a specific diet, maintaining your diet during Holi can be quite challenging.
But don’t worry! Dietician Meenakshi Anupam from FitnBlessed has got you covered. Here are some practical and easy tips to enjoy Holi without compromising your health goals.
1. Start Your Day with a Healthy Breakfast
Never skip your breakfast on Holi. Start your day with a nutritious and filling breakfast that includes high-fiber and high-protein foods like oats, eggs, smoothies, or sprouts. This will help control your cravings throughout the day.
2. Hydrate Yourself Properly
As Holi is a festival celebrated outdoors, you may get dehydrated quickly. Make sure you drink plenty of water or detox water to keep yourself hydrated. You can also have coconut water or fresh fruit juices (without sugar).
3. Choose Healthy Snacks
Instead of indulging in deep-fried snacks, opt for healthier alternatives like roasted nuts, dry fruits, homemade baked snacks, or fruit chaat. This will satisfy your taste buds and keep your calorie intake in check.
4. Enjoy Sweets in Moderation
We all know that Holi is incomplete without sweets like gujiyas and malpuas. While it’s okay to enjoy them, try to control the portion size. You can also prepare healthier versions of these sweets using jaggery, dates, or stevia instead of sugar.
5. Avoid Sugary Drinks
Thandai and other sugary drinks are often served during Holi. However, you can make your own healthy version of thandai using low-fat milk, dry fruits, and natural sweeteners. Avoid packaged soft drinks as they are loaded with sugar and calories.
6. Stay Active
Don’t miss out on physical activity just because it’s a festival. You can plan a dance session with your friends and family during Holi celebrations, which will not only keep you active but also burn some calories.
7. Plan a Detox Post-Holi
After enjoying all the festive delicacies, plan a detox for a day or two. Consume light meals like khichdi, soups, or salads to cleanse your system. Drink plenty of water, green tea, or detox water to flush out toxins.
8. Avoid Overeating
It is easy to overeat during festivals, but mindful eating is the key. Take small portions, chew your food properly, and avoid going for a second round of heavy food items.
9. Prepare Healthy Holi Recipes
If you are hosting a Holi party, try preparing some healthy recipes like baked gujiyas, fruit salad, low-fat dahi bhalla, and sugar-free sweets. This will help you and your guests enjoy guilt-free treats.
10. Prioritize Your Health Goals
While it’s completely fine to enjoy the festival, don’t lose sight of your health goals. Keep your mindset positive and focus on balance rather than perfection.
Final Thoughts
Holi is a festival of joy, love, and togetherness. While you indulge in the colors and flavors of Holi, remember to take care of your health as well. By following these simple tips from Dietician Meenakshi Anupam at FitnBlessed, you can maintain your diet and still enjoy the festivities to the fullest.
So, this Holi, play safe, eat mindfully, and stay fit!
