Holi , the “festival of colours ” celebrated in India in the month of Phalgun ,symbolises joy , renewal , fresh starts and forgiveness.It marks the transition from winter to spring. Delicacies like Thandai , Dahi bhalla , kanji vadas , hot pakoras and gujiyas is a must in every household which further elevates the excitement of festive flavours and togetherness.
Let us reimagine holi through the lens of nutrition in order to understand whether our festive indulgences are really nourishing our bodies or merely fulfilling the job of taste gratification.
- THANDAI
Thandai is a functional food loaded with milk , nuts (almonds ,cashewnuts , pista ) ,seeds ( poppy seeds , melon seeds) ,spices ( fennel , black pepper , cardamom ) and rose petals.
This is nutrient -dense , fulfilling and has a cooling effect on body .
Fennel and black pepper aid in digestion .
How to make it better? Using low fat milk for thandai base and substituting sugar with jaggery or honey .
2.DAHI BHALLA
These are deep fried lentil dumplings (moong or urad dal ) with a sweet yogurt base and tangy chutneys.
Lentils provide high quality protein providing easy satiety with energy for playfulness and yogurt acts as a probiotic which aids in digestion.
How to make it better ? Vadas /bhallas can be steamed or air fried without compromising the taste.
3.GUJIYAS
Gujiyas are pockets of maida filled with sweetened khoya , nuts and coconut deep fried in ghee.
They are high in fats and energy dense providing quick energy.
How to make it better ? Replace maida with whole wheat flour .Make it more nutrient dense by adding variety of nuts and seeds . Lastly , baking or air frying them will reduce calorie intake.
4.KANJI VADAS
Kanji vadas is a fermented drink based snack usually made with black carrots and moong dal vadas. It is an excellent probiotic which supports digestion and helps in liver detoxification . Additionally , it also helps with cleansing excessive oil from the body .
How to make it better ? Replace deep frying with air frying , steaming or baking.
This Holi, let us promise to honour the vibrant colours on our plates just as joyfully as the hues that fill the sky. For the true triumph of this festival lies not merely in playing with colours or relishing festive delicacies, but in celebrating wholeheartedly with our loved ones while safeguarding our health and well-being.
