7 Ways Your Diwali Snacks Are Sabotaging You (And How to Stay Balanced)
<p>Diwali is synonymous with sweets, snacks, and indulgence. From jalebis and laddoos to crispy samosas and chaklis, the festive spread is hard to resist. But overdoing it — skipping meals, bingeing on sugar, or ignoring hydration — can quickly turn the celebration into a post-festival slump.</p><p>We spoke to Dubai-based dietitians <strong>Rahaf Mohammed Altowairqi</strong> and <strong>Jaseera Maniparambil</strong> to decode the pitfalls of festive eating and share practical ways to enjoy Diwali without sabotaging your energy or digestion.</p><h4><strong>1) Skipping Meals to “Save Calories”</strong></h4><p>A common trap during Diwali is skipping breakfast or lunch to “save room” for sweets. Altowairqi warns this can backfire: “When you skip regular meals, you often overeat later in the day. It’s better to eat balanced meals with protein and vegetables, then enjoy festive treats guilt-free.”</p><p>Tip: Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast like eggs or paneer, paired with some complex carbs and vegetables. Your body will be less likely to overcompensate later.</p><h4><strong>2) Overloading on Deep-Fried Snacks</strong></h4><p>Samosas, pakoras, and chaklis are undeniably tempting. But large portions late at night, combined with sugar-heavy sweets, can wreak havoc on digestion and energy levels. Maniparambil advises moderation: alternate snack bites with sips of water or a cooling drink like lassi to aid digestion and prevent sluggishness.</p><h4><strong>3) Ignoring Hydration</strong></h4><p>Amid rounds of chai, sweets, and festive snacks, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Dehydration can worsen bloating, fatigue, and sugar crashes. Tip: Keep a glass of water nearby and take small sips between treats. Herbal teas or lightly spiced lassi can also help you stay hydrated while complementing the festive flavours.</p><h4><strong>4) Forgetting Fibre</strong></h4><p>Most Diwali treats are sugar bombs, low in fibre. This can slow digestion and leave you feeling heavy and sluggish. Altowairqi suggests pairing sweets with fibre-rich foods such as roasted chana, makhana, or vegetables. Whole-grain versions of traditional snacks can also help balance blood sugar levels.</p><h4><strong>5) Ignoring Portion Control</strong></h4><p>Even the healthiest snacks can backfire if eaten in giant portions. Maniparambil recommends mindful eating: “Enjoy small servings of your favourite treats. Balance is key to a guilt-free Diwali.” Use smaller plates or serve yourself a controlled portion instead of reaching straight into the box.</p><h4><strong>6) Choosing Overly Processed Sweets</strong></h4><p>Store-bought mithai is convenient but often loaded with refined sugar and preservatives. Altowairqi advises opting for homemade sweets made with natural sweeteners such as dates, jaggery, or figs. Adding nuts or seeds can slow sugar absorption and increase satiety, keeping energy levels steadier.</p><h4><strong>7) Ignoring Health Conditions</strong></h4><p>Diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension? Extra care is essential. Maniparambil emphasizes moderation and pairing treats with protein-rich foods like paneer, yogurt, or nuts. This not only helps curb sugar spikes but also adds nutritional value to festive indulgence.</p><h3><strong>Practical Tips to Win Back Balance</strong></h3><p><strong>Plan meals ahead:</strong> Ensure breakfast, lunch, and dinner include vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbs.</p><p><strong>Mix treats with protein/fibre:</strong> Nuts, yogurt, roasted chana, or paneer make sweet treats more balanced.</p><p><strong>Stay hydrated:</strong> Water, lassi, or herbal tea between treats prevents bloating and fatigue.</p><p><strong>Mindful eating:</strong> Savor each bite and avoid mindless snacking from platters.</p><p><strong>Portion control:</strong> Small servings reduce sugar overload while still letting you enjoy favourites.</p><p>Diwali is meant to be joyous, not uncomfortable. By making small, mindful adjustments — balancing sweets with protein, staying hydrated, and watching portions — you can enjoy the festival <strong>without paying the price of post-feast sluggishness or sugar crashes</strong>. With these strategies, the festive season can remain fun, flavorful, and energizing.</p>