The festive season is around the corner. With festivities come a lot of parties and get-togethers. And with that, a lot of cravings, and sometimes we tend to overindulge in desserts and fried stuff. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind if you want to stay healthy this festive season.
- Plan Your Meals – Instead of skipping your meals, plan your meals. For example, If you know you have a big event at night where you would indulge in your favourite food, then add healthy dishes to your meal. Try to add fresh fruits and vegetables. Before the occasion, have a quick, healthy snack at home to prevent indulging in unhealthy eating. It’s important to monitor your calorie intake.
- Be Mindful – Whenever you step out to party, take a look at the food options available so that you can choose a healthier option. Avoid simple carbohydrates and indulge in protein-rich and complex carbohydrate-rich food.
- Stay Active – It is important to stay active and continue working out during the festive season. Sometimes you can feel lazy during the festivities and events but do not skip workouts.
- Balance Is Key – An easy way to offset the increased intake of calories is to focus on high-quality lean proteins and vegetables in other meals of the day. For example, you can include salad, grilled chicken, tofu, greens, etc., in your meals.
- Take Small Servings – Instead of depriving yourself of your favourite treat, focus on reducing the portion size. Eat smaller portions, and that will help you control overindulgence.
- Mind Your Beverages – We all tend to drink non-alcoholic beverages, sodas, and soft drinks. But it is advised to avoid the beverages as they are loaded with sugars and have a lot of calories. Instead, opt for healthier options.
- Stock up on Fruits and Veggies – Make sure to include large portions of fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible. You can include cucumber sticks, mixed salad, fruit salad, etc. It will not only keep your calorie count low but also these will add fibres and vitamins to your diet.
Don’t overthink it; enjoy what you want. The key is to eat sensibly, limit your calorie intake, get adequate protein, and exercise regularly.
Below we have given some quick and healthy recipes to impress your guests with great taste and keep your calories in check.
Fruit And Nut Ladoo
This treat is rich in iron and healthy fats and satisfies the cravings.
Ingredients
- Pistachio – 15
- Almonds – 10
- Cashews – 10
- Dates – 25
- Raisins – 2 Tbsp
- Ghee – 2 Tbsp
- Cardamom Powder – 1 large pinch
Steps
- First chop the pistachio, almonds, cashews finely and keep aside. It measured a little more than 1/4 cup for me. Also, deseed and roughly chop up the dates.
- Add the roughly chopped dates and raisins to a blender (I used the Wonderchef Platinum Mixer-Grinder and was very happy with results) and pulse 2 to 3 times until it is finely chopped.
- Heat a pan with 1/2 tsp of the ghee and roast the chopped nuts until a nice aroma arises and the cashews turn golden. Transfer it to a plate and keep it aside.
- To the same pan, add the remaining 1 1/2 tsp ghee and the dates, raisin mixture. Saute for about 2-3 mins until the dates soften.
- Now, add the chopped and roasted nuts, cardamom powder to the pan and mix well until combined. Turn off the flame and let the mixture cool down.
- Once the mixture cools down, slightly grease your palms and make small balls out of the mixture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy at Diwali parties!
Hara Bhara Kebab
This is my all-time favourite snack but with a healthier twist. It is made from chickpeas instead of potatoes. A perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect as a snack option for an evening party.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Spinach
- 1 cup Broccoli
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup Peas
- 1/2 cup Edamame
- 1 /2 cup Onion
- 3 cups or 2 8oz can Organic Garbanzo Beans.( You could even soak the garbanzo beans overnight and pressure cook it )
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 2 green chillies
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
- salt to taste
Steps
- Boil the greens for a few mins. Drain the water and shock it with cold water so it retains the bright green color.
- Add all the ingredients into a food processor, except oil and pulse until coarse. I used the Wonderchef Vietri Mixer Grinder and was super pleased with the results.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as required.
- Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and make round balls.
- Pour a few drops of oil in each cavity of the appe pan and heat it. If you don’t have an appe pan, you can use the pan frying technique to make them healthy.
- Add the uncooked balls and cook them on each side for about 3-4 minutes on medium gas. Make sure you consistently turn the balls.
You can use an oven or an air-fryer to make these kebabs and be ready to wow your family and guests!
Author : Alina Gufran, writer and film-maker, who loves the outdoors and reading.
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