The festival of lights is just around the corner. Diwali brings families and friends together to celebrate with joy, laughter, and delicious food. But excess sweets and sugary treats can often leave us feeling overwhelmed. So why not change something this year? Why not welcome a low sugar approach to make diwali a little bit healthier? You will be shocked to see that it can be just as delightful, without the sugar rush. Here are some creative and practical low-sugar tips to enjoy a guilt-free, healthy, and happy Diwali.

Diwali is just not complete without sweets! While sugary treats may be the norm, natural sweeteners like jaggery, honey, dates, or maple syrup can make our traditional recipes healthier and just as delicious. These alternatives add natural flavour, vitamins, and minerals, reducing the sugar overload without sacrificing the essence of Diwali sweets.

Check out some healthy sugar free recipes that will taste equally amazing!

Celebrate a no sugar healthy diwali

Well cooking can be a task for some, but not to worry. You can still maintain your health. If making sweets from scratch isn't an option, look for  low-sugar or sugar-free sweets  available at many stores. These treats are crafted to cater to health-conscious consumers and retain the festive taste without excessive sugar. Options like sugar-free kaju katli, low-sugar anjeer barfi, and protein-based energy balls are becoming widely available and add a modern twist to the traditional Diwali feast.

Tip:  
Always check labels for added sugars or artificial sweeteners that may be present. Opt for sweets that use natural sugar alternatives to enjoy a balanced treat.

Fruits are, of course, nature's sweets. They offer refreshing flavours and essential nutrients. Try arranging a beautiful fruit platter. Add seasonal and bright fruits like dragon fruits, pomegranate, grapes, oranges, figs or any other of your favourite fruits. Sprinkle some chat masala or a dash of lime to enhance the taste. This colourful display makes for a visually appealing treat, full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Idea:  
Consider making a fruit chaat or fruit kebabs for guests to enjoy a low-sugar, vibrant, and nutritious snack during Diwali gatherings.

Along with lots of sweets, savoury snacks are also a huge part of diwali festivities. Make sure you add plenty of healthy,  low-sugar savoury snacks  to your Diwali spread, such as roasted nuts, seed mixes, baked veggie chips, and spicy makhanas (fox nuts). These snacks are high in protein, fibre, and good fats, providing a balanced source of energy while satisfying your taste buds.

Check out some amazing, tasty yet healthy recipes-

Healthy recipes for a guilt free diwali

Sugary beverages can sneak up on you during festivities, adding hidden sugar to your diet. Serve  herbal teas, infused water with lemon and mint, or spiced buttermilk  as refreshing, hydrating options. You can also prepare a low-sugar version of the traditional almond-based Thandai by reducing the amount of sugar or using stevia as a substitute.

Tip:  
If you want to offer a sweet drink, try using minimal honey or jaggery instead of refined sugar. Freshly prepared lemon water with a hint of jaggery can be a delicious low-sugar drink for your guests.

While fried snacks can be delicious, they are also very heavy on the stomach and unhealthy when consumed in large amounts. This diwali switch up your fried snacks with baking or air frying traditional snacks like samosas, mathris or kachoris. This reduces the fat content and keeps your snacks light and crisp without the additional calories from deep frying.

With so many tempting options on the Diwali table, practising  portion control  can help avoid overindulgence. Place small portions on your plate and focus on savouring each bite. This way, you can taste a variety of dishes without overloading on sugar or calories. Diwali is all about savouring, so take time to enjoy every bite rather than rushing through it.

Tip:  
Use smaller plates for snacks and sweets, which can help with portion control and make you feel more satisfied with less.

Diwali gifting can be an opportunity to spread health and happiness. Instead of traditional mithai boxes, give healthy gift hampers  to friends and family. Show them you care in a healthy way. 

Tip:

Get your healthy and unique gift hampers from True Elements from https://true-elements.com/collections/gift 

Diwali is as much about connection as it is about food. Spend quality time with loved ones, engaging in activities beyond eating. Dancing, playing games, or simply sharing stories with family and friends can create lasting memories and reduce the focus on food.

Tip:  
Try organising a Diwali game night or a movie marathon with your family to add new traditions. When you shift the focus from constant snacking, you’ll find yourself naturally consuming less sugar.

Diwali is a time to celebrate abundance, but that doesn’t mean quantity has to be the focus. Prioritise high-quality ingredients and flavours, savouring each bite mindfully. When you eat slowly and appreciate the taste, aroma, and texture of each dish, you’ll find satisfaction without needing to overindulge.

Tip:  
Serve smaller portions on beautiful plates or bowls, which can enhance the experience and make each serving feel special.

With these low-sugar Diwali tips, you can enjoy a festive season filled with love, light, and healthy treats that won’t weigh you down. Embracing a balanced, mindful approach to sweets and snacks can enhance your enjoyment of the holiday while keeping you energised and feeling great.

This Diwali, let’s celebrate with  wholesome choices and joyful connections , honouring tradition while embracing a health-conscious approach. Enjoy a guilt-free festival with a focus on flavour, quality, and, most importantly, the cherished moments spent with loved ones. Happy Diwali!