New Delhi: Raksha Bandhan is a festival of joy and happiness that symbolises the bond between brothers and sisters. During this occasion, a sister ties a vibrant rakhi on her brother’s wrist, and in return, the brother vows to protect and cherish her forever. To commemorate this occasion, it is customary for the sister to offer her brother a sweet, and the brother to give her a gift as a token of his affection.
On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Aruna Mallya, Senior Dietitian, KMC Hospital, Mangalore shared with News9, “As delightful as the tradition of sharing sweets is, it is important to be mindful of the health implications of these festive treats. Typically, the confections prepared during festive seasons are laden with sugar and fats, making them high in calories. They are often made from vegetable oils, particularly vanaspati or palm oil, which are not the healthiest options. Therefore, checking the labels before purchasing sweets is crucial to ensure they do not contain harmful ingredients.”
When you love your brother, his health becomes a priority. Here are some tips for brothers to enjoy the festival mindfully:
1. Moderation is Key: Instead of consuming an entire sweet, try savouring a small piece.
2. Share the Joy: Consider sharing the sweet with your siblings or friends. Sharing not only spreads joy but also helps in reducing individual calorie intake.
3. Homemade Goodness: It is always preferable to prepare sweets at home rather than buying them from outside. Homemade sweets can be made with healthier ingredients, and you can control the amount of sugar and fat used.
Tips for Healthier Festive Sweets
• Use Natural Sweeteners: Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or jaggery instead of refined sugar. They are healthier alternatives and add a unique flavour to the sweets.
• Incorporate Nuts and Seeds: Adding nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds can enhance the nutritional value of the sweets. They provide essential fats and proteins.
• Choose Whole Grains: Use whole grain flour like whole wheat or oat flour instead of refined flour. Whole grains are rich in fibre and nutrients, making the sweets healthier.
• Healthy Fats: Use healthier fats like ghee or coconut oil in moderation. These fats are better for health compared to vanaspati or palm oil.
Mindful Eating Habits
1. Eat Slowly: Eating slowly and mindfully helps in better digestion and allows you to enjoy the flavours more fully.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help control your appetite and prevent overeating.
3. Balanced Meals: Ensure that your meals are balanced with adequate portions of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. A balanced diet keeps you satiated and reduces the urge to indulge in sweets excessively.
By following these tips, you can celebrate Raksha Bandhan with joy and happiness while also taking care of your health and well-being. Remember, the essence of the festival lies in the love and bond shared between siblings, and a healthy brother is a happier brother. Enjoy the festivities but with a mindful approach to eating.
Raksha Bandhan, a festival of joy and happiness, symbolises the bond between brothers and sisters. A nutritionist tells News9, as delightful as the tradition of sharing sweets is, it is important to be mindful of the health implications of these festive treats Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
