Holi is one of the most celebrated festivals of India and is sometimes known as the “festival of love”. On this day people forget all resentment and bad feelings towards each other and unite.
The vibrancy of color is something that brings a lot of positivity in everyone’s lives. Holi being the festival of colors starts by lighting the bonfire the night before which symbolizes the triumph of good over bad. Holi is known for its trademark treats and celebrations. It is celebrated during the spring season and this year it is being celebrated on March 8, 2023.
The festive season is famous for tempting snacks and desserts that friends and family prepare and serve. Below are some beverages, street foods, and desserts that are consumed during Holi and some healthy tips to enjoy them.
The two most popular Holi beverages are thandai and lassi. Both are creamy, cooling, and very satisfying after spending a long time outside. Thandai is a cold beverage prepared with a mixture of almonds, fennel seeds, watermelon kernels, rose petals, pepper, vetiver/khus seeds, cardamom, saffron, milk, and sugar. Although it is most popular in the northern part of the country, it is also enjoyed in other states as well. Substitute full fat milk with low fat or skim milk. Instead of sugar, use sugar substitutes to make this a healthier beverage option.
Lassi is a yogurt-based drink that is made with, water, spices, and sometimes fruit. This drink is rich in probiotics, which helps support gut health. Lassi is also rich in calcium and vitamin D. Low fat yogurt and using stevia in place of sugar can make this a delicious low-calorie drink.
Street foods include papri chaat- fried dough wafers served with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, tamarind and mint chutneys, and dahi vada- fried lentil balls in yogurt. Cooking methods like baking or using an air fryer can help reduce calories and saturated fat. Using low fat yogurt can help to make these street foods a bit healthier too.
A major part of Holi celebrations is enjoying desserts like gujiya, a sweet dumpling filled with evaporated milk and dried fruits, barfi a milk-based sweet made with condensed milk, sugar and nuts, and kheer a pudding made by boiling milk and sugar with rice, broken wheat, tapioca, vermicelli, or sweet corn. These desserts are rich in flavor and sugar. To reduce the calorie content, replace full fat milk with low fat milk and substitute the sugar in recipes with dates, fruit purees, honey, and jiggery. Enjoy the festival of colors with family and friends and use moderation and portion control.
Written by, Anisha Chhibber, MS, RDN, CNSC, FAND
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