>Dance away the Deepavali goodies
Year-end festivities are always a good reason to let loose a little and bond with loved ones over food. Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, is coming up and it is a joyous occasion celebrated with lots of traditional goodies.
Taking a break from that everyday strict diet for this happy occasion is understandable and here are some friendly reminders and tips on how you can stay healthy while enjoying your favourite snacks!
There are many other fun exercises you can take to work those calories off after the big feast:
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Ladoo, one of the favourite desserts at Deepavali, is a palm-sized confectionary made from flour and sugar, rolled into a ball. Their pretty colours make them a delightful treat to offer guests and attract the attention of young children. Do note that to burn the calories in one piece, you need to climb stairs for about 20 minutes!
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Another staple on the Deepavali food table is the jalebi, a pretzel made of fried wheat flour drenched in sugar syrup. To burn off the calories for a piece requires dancing for approximately 25 minutes.
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Combine fun and nutrients into your sweet treats by making your own Diwali sweets. Turn this into a family activity at home and choose healthier alternatives for ingredients. Store-bought sweets are usually loaded with sugar and harmful preservatives. (source) By making your own, you could substitute these processed sugar with dried fruits or honey. Opt for steamed or baked Deepavali treats instead of deep-fried ones. This would also allow more space for more treats!
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Another tip would be to look out for HPB’s Healthier Choice Symbol while shopping for food before the party you are hosting. Food products with this symbol tend to contain less sugar, salt and fat. (source) Fret not if you are tied up and do not have the time for grocery shopping; you can choose to have food catered from F&B companies that are endorsed as Healthier Dining Partners. (source) These outlets and caterers provide healthier menus so you and your guests would be able to enjoy the festive goodies without worrying about the waistline!
