Indian festivals and weddings are a sensory delight with colorful celebrations filled with lavish feasts. But while it is tempting to try out all the foods, it’s often loaded with deep-fried, ghee-rich, and sugar-laden treats. The good news? You can still enjoy the feast without compromising your health! Here’s how to make smart food choices while relishing every bite while practicing how to eat healthy at festivities and including some of the best foods for diabetes to keep your blood sugar in check.
How to eat healthy at festivities?
Smart & Healthy Picks at a Wedding or Festive Feast
When faced with an elaborate spread, it is essential to make the right choices so that you can enjoy the meal without unnecessary indulgence. Instead of completely avoiding your favorite foods, focus on dishes that are light, nutritious, and fulfilling.
- Start with Light & Fibre-Rich Starters – Look for vegetable salads, Chenna(sundal -steamed legumes with spices), or clear soups instead of deep-fried starters like bajjis and bondas.
- Idli Over Vada – If idlis are served, opt for them instead of fried vadas. Ragi or millet idlis, if available, are even better choices.
- Go for Sambar & Rasam – These lentil-based dishes are rich in protein and antioxidants. Skip heavy gravies like kurma or oily kulambu.
- Dosa with Less Oil – If dosas are served, ask for a plain or lightly oiled version. Pesarattu (green gram dosa) is another protein-rich alternative.
- Rice Choices Matter – If multiple rice options are available, choose lemon rice, curd rice, or tomato rice in moderation. Brown rice or millet-based options are even healthier. Avoid biryani and ghee-laden dishes if you’re watching your calorie intake.
- Pick Vegetable-Based Dishes – Stick to lightly cooked vegetable poriyals (stir-fried veggies) instead of creamy, heavy curries.
- Raita Over Heavy Chutneys – Opt for fresh vegetable raita instead of coconut-heavy chutneys or masala-based gravies.
- Buttermilk Over Sweet Drinks – Skip sugary sherbets and aerated drinks. A glass of spiced buttermilk or tender coconut water is a refreshing and healthier choice.
- Control Your Dessert Intake – Wedding sweets are irresistible, but portion control is key. Instead of Mysore Pak or heavy ghee sweets, try fruit salads, jaggery-based payasam, or dry fruit ladoos in small portions.
Portion Control Tips for Festivals & Weddings
Eating in moderation is the secret to enjoying festive feasts without feeling lazy afterward. Simple yet effective habits can prevent overeating and keep you energized throughout the celebration.
- Festive meals are often served on banana leaves or disposable plates. Serve yourself smaller portions to avoid overeating in buffets.
- Always eat Slowly & Mindfully. Take your time to savour the flavours. Because, eating too fast can lead to overeating.
- It is easy to get carried away with unlimited servings. Take only what you need and try to have just 1 serving of food in festive feasts.
- Stay active post-meal by taking a short walk or doing any light movement. This will aid digestion and prevent any sort of sluggishness.
Importance of Proper Hydration
Hydration plays a crucial role in digestion and overall health. Staying well-hydrated will not only help in managing hunger but also prevent overeating.
- Drink Water Before and After Meals. Staying hydrated is key to digestion and preventing overeating. Aim for 8-10 glasses a day, especially when indulging at celebrations.
- If available, choose coconut water. It is a natural electrolyte booster. And tender coconut water keeps you refreshed without added sugars.
- Drink Herbal Drinks Over Sugary Beverages. Fresh juices, jeera water, or nannari sherbet are great alternatives to carbonated drinks.
Buffet-Style Feasts
Buffet spreads can be overwhelming, making it easy to overeat. However, a little planning can help you make better food choices. Be mindful and choose wisely to keep your plate balanced and nutritious.
- Before filling your plate, take a moment to see all available dishes. This helps you make mindful choices and ensures to eat healthy at festivities.
- Fill half your plate with Veggies & Protein. Fill at least half your plate with vegetable-based dishes and protein sources like dal or paneer before adding rice-based items.
- Take a moderate portion instead of piling up your plate. A balanced approach makes it easier to eat Healthy at Festivities.
To Conclude
Festivals and weddings are all about celebration, joy, and of course, great food. With mindful choices and portion control, you can enjoy every dish without feeling bloated or guilty. The next time you attend a celebration, balance indulgence with smart eating habits, because health and happiness go hand in hand! Make how to eat healthy at festivities a priority while still savoring every moment.
