Diwali is the festival of lights, love and a time of celebration and unlimited indulgence. However, for people with diabetes, this season can feel like walking on a tightrope between enjoying festival treats and controlling blood sugar levels. Yes, the loads of sweets, traditional snacks and poor eating schedules can wreak havoc on your blood sugar control. But fret not, you can still enjoy and celebrate the festival of lights, without forgoing taste and tradition! Yes, with a few mindful choices, certainly you can enjoy Diwali with both joy and good health.

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5 Practical Tips To Celebrate Diwali

Start Your Day on the Right Note

Begin your Diwali mornings with a wholesome traditional breakfast that is tweaked to a healthier version. This keeps your blood sugar stable and supplies a steady source of energy. Go for a high fiber and protein-rich breakfast like vegetable-stuffed idlis, millet Pongal or pesarattu. Pair breakfast with protein-packed sambar or non-veg curry that keeps you satiated for a longer duration.

Pro Tip: Avoid skipping breakfast to “save room” for sweets later. This may cause sugar spikes when you finally indulge in lots of sweets and snacks.

Also Read: What is Diwali Legiyam? How It Helps Gut Health, And How To Make It At Home

Choose Smarter Sweets

You don’t have to completely avoid traditional desserts; the simple rule is to choose wisely. Opt for sweets made with natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, jaggery (in moderation) or date sugar. Try homemade delights like almond laddoos, sugar-free kheer or roasted gram ladoos. In addition, substitute refined flour with whole wheat flour, oats or millets to prepare sweets.

Pro Tip: If you are craving your favourite traditional sweet, have a small portion and balance it by reducing carbs in your next meal.

Stay Hydrated

Festive delights are always on the higher side of salty, oily and richer, which can lead to dehydration and bloating. Always carry a bottle handy and sip water throughout the day. Additionally, you also enjoy infused drinks like mint, lemon, or cucumber for quick nourishment and energy.

Avoid carbonated drinks like colas or sugary packaged juices; these drinks can spike your blood sugar faster than sweets.

Also Read; Diwali 2023: Know The Calorie Count Of Desi Sweets For Guilt-free Celebrations

Move, Dance, Walk

Diwali is full of festivity and lots of bustle; use it to your advantage. Take small walks after meals, help with decorations, or dance to your favourite festive songs. Physical activity helps your body use up glucose effectively and keeps your mood high.

 Just 15–20 minutes of light walking after your meals can make a big difference and prevent a blood sugar spike.

Celebrate Mindfully

Beyond the festivity of lights and sweets, this festival is all about togetherness and gratitude. Try to spend quality time with your loved ones and family, light diyas and share laughter. Remind yourself that nothing is more important than good mental health.

Stress can affect blood sugar, too, so try to stay calm, breathe deeply, and truly enjoy the festive moment.

Conclusion

Diwali is a time of unlimited partying and having diabetes does not really mean that festival has to be restricted and dull. Especially a festival like Diwali can be enjoyed in true spirit; it’s all about the right balance. A little planning and mindfulness can allow you to enjoy the best of the festivity with good health and profound happiness. So, this Diwali, follow these simple tips and let the festival of lights bring you happiness and stabilise your sugar levels.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.