Find out how you can have a sugar-free Diwali

Festivals in India are synonymous with delectable desserts, ranging from mouth-watering Gulab Jamun to the quintessential Kaju ki Katli. It is hard to let go the sweets/desserts, especially when festivities are in full swing.

To ensure that you enjoy during festivals without putting yourself at risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, we’ve shared a few tips to manage your diabetes. We’ll make sure that having diabetes doesn’t stop you from doing the things you enjoy, especially celebrating festivals with your loved ones.

Opt for food with natural sweeteners: When buying sweets choose from options that are made with natural sweeteners like dates or figs (anjeer) instead of buying traditional sweets like cashew barfi (kaju katli) or boondi ka laddoo that are loaded with sugar.

Figs are natural sweetners which can be used as an alternate to sugar in sweets. (Photo: Pixabay)

Cook in a healthy manner: You can enjoy the traditional food varieties that are prepared during Diwali by making minor changes to the recipes. Use healthier ingredients like millets and quinoa to prepare the snacks. You can also substitute the style of cooking to make dishes healthier. For instance, instead of deep frying chaklis, you can enjoy baked (or air fried) chaklis. The latter will be equally tasty but much healthier than the deep fried ones.

Using healthier ingredients like millets and quinoa to prepare the snacks can also be a good method. (Photo: Pixabay)

Plan your meals: If you are planning to go out for dinner, eat in smaller quantities throughout the day. Eating a small meal that consists of fruits, rice or wheat puffs, khakhra etc. at regular intervals can help to maintain blood sugar level and avoid binge eating. It is suggested that you eat a light snack, have a bowl of soup or salad before going out for dinner to avoid bingeing.

Eating a light snack or having a bowl of soup or salad before going out for dinner to avoid bingeing is also a good idea. (Photo: Pixabay)

Choose your food options wisely: Control your portion size and choose grilled, baked or barbequed snacks instead of fried ones. For instance, when you visit your friends or relatives choose to eat a few dry fruits or nuts instead of the calorie laden sweets or deep fried namkeens. Also, drink plenty of water throughout the day as water helps to flush out toxins accumulated due to wrong eating habits or calorie laden food.

Control your portion size and choose grilled, baked or barbequed snacks instead of fried ones. (Photo: Pixabay)

Attitude of gratitude: Diwali is a festival of giving. Do not stock boxes of sweets or chocolates in your fridge as you may be tempted to gorge on these. Share these with your friends or the needy. Instead of the traditional sweets and namkeens, try gifting fruits or healthy food hampers.

Don’t limit yourself to gifting just food. Shift your focus from food options to gifts like hand-made candles, graphic cushions, mocktail glasses etc. 

Control alcohol intake: Festivals are a time for celebration. For many, the frequency of alcohol intake increases due to multiple social events during festive season. Drinking alcohol will increase your calorie intake and may also spike the blood sugar level. Controlling alcohol intake is very important to maintain blood sugar levels.

Drinking alcohol increases calorie intake and spikes blood sugar levels. (Photo: Pixabay)

Don’t skip exercise :Do not let festival be a reason to skip exercise. Follow your regular exercise regime to stay healthy. Look for ways to keep yourself active through the day even during holidays.

Skipping exercise is not a good idea. (Photo: Pixabay)

Eat healthy, drink sensibly and enjoy the festivities!

Wish you all a happy and healthy Diwali from Diabetacare!

The article has been written by Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal, Managing and Medical Director, Diabetacare.