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Holi needn’t be all about sugar-soaked treats. With slightly creativity, households can take pleasure in scrumptious, wholesome options that nourish the physique whereas holding festive traditions alive
Holi does not must be all about sugar-laden treats. With a contact of creativity, households can take pleasure in scrumptious and nutritious options that honor festive traditions whereas selling good well being
The colourful competition of Holi is a time of pleasure, laughter, and, after all, scrumptious treats. From crispy gujiyas to syrup-drenched malpuas, the celebration is crammed with indulgence. However for fogeys, the priority over extreme sugar, deep-fried sweets, and synthetic components lingers. This Holi, Dr. Kushal Agrawal, HOD of the Division of Neonatology and Paediatrics, KVR Hospital, Kashipur, and Anshul Singh, Workforce Chief of Scientific Diet and Dietetics, Artemis Hospitals, share their knowledgeable recommendation on more healthy options, guaranteeing kids can benefit from the competition with out compromising their well-being.
Because the morning solar casts golden hues over the festivities, younger Aarav and his little sister Meera excitedly rush to their mom, fingers smeared with vivid colours. Their mom, Riya, smiles warmly however can be conscious of the sugar-laden temptations awaiting them. Decided to make Holi pleasant but nutritious, she decides to take a unique method this 12 months.
A Splash of Pure Sweetness
As an alternative of providing store-bought sweets, Riya prepares a vibrant fruit salad. Dr. Agrawal recommends mixing colourful, seasonal fruits like strawberries, kiwis, pomegranate seeds, and grapes with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chaat masala to reinforce the flavour. “Fruits naturally present nutritional vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them an excellent festive deal with,” he explains.
Reworking Conventional Sweets
Decided to maintain the festive spirit alive, Riya decides to make gujiyas however with a twist. Impressed by Anshul Singh’s recommendation, she bakes the gujiyas as a substitute of deep-frying them. “Utilizing complete wheat flour and a stuffing of dry fruits, coconut, and jaggery makes them simply as scrumptious however a lot more healthy,” Singh suggests. As the nice and cozy aroma fills the home, even Aarav, a choosy eater, eagerly reaches for one.
For a variation on laddoos, Riya follows Dr. Agrawal’s suggestion and prepares gur treats. “Jaggery not solely provides pure sweetness but additionally gives important minerals like iron,” he shares. She enriches them with chopped almonds and pumpkin seeds, making them nutrient-dense and energy-boosting.
Chilled Delights with a Wholesome Twist
Because the afternoon warmth intensifies, Riya is aware of it’s time for one thing refreshing. As an alternative of serving sugary drinks, she prepares a standard thandai utilizing Dr. Agrawal’s recipe. Mixing milk with soaked almonds, cashews, fennel, chia seeds, and cardamom, she sweetens it with dates. To reinforce the festive really feel, she provides pure colours derived from beetroot and saffron. “This model of thandai is a powerhouse of vitamins,” he says.
Singh additionally suggests yogurt smoothies as an alternative to sugar-loaded lassi. “Mixing seasonal fruits like mango or banana with plain yogurt eliminates the necessity for added sugar whereas offering probiotics that help digestion,” he advises. Meera loves the creamy, fruit-filled lassi, whereas Aarav enjoys his chocolate-banana smoothie, made with unsweetened cocoa and honey.
Healthful Munchies for the Little Ones
Between the colours and water fights, the kids crave one thing crunchy. As an alternative of chips and processed snacks, Riya presents them a do-it-yourself roasted nut and seed medley, an thought impressed by Dr. Agrawal. “Roasting almonds, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds with raisins or dried cranberries creates a naturally candy and crunchy combine filled with protein and wholesome fat,” he explains.
One other hit among the many children is Singh’s really helpful makhana (fox nut) kheer. “Makhana is wealthy in calcium and antioxidants,” he says. Riya prepares it with low-fat milk, jaggery, and a splash of cardamom. The creamy texture and delicate sweetness make it a crowd favourite.
A Celebration of Well being and Happiness
Because the day winds down and the colours settle into the night air, Riya watches her kids giggle over their final bites of complete wheat banana malpua, one other pleasant different urged by Singh. “Changing refined sugar with mashed banana and jaggery offers pure sweetness whereas retaining the standard essence,” he assures.
Holi needn’t be all about sugar-soaked treats. With slightly creativity, households can take pleasure in scrumptious, wholesome options that nourish the physique whereas holding festive traditions alive. As Riya tucks her kids into mattress, she feels content material understanding that their Holi was not simply fun-filled but additionally a celebration of excellent well being. And as for Aarav and Meera? They’re already dreaming of subsequent 12 months’s Holi feast, understanding it will likely be simply as pleasant.
