As Diwali brightens up homes across the country, it brings along the joy of togetherness, cherished traditions, and festive feasting.
However, the season of joy often comes with a side of indulgence – boxes of mithai, fried foods, and high-calorie treats that can easily derail our fitness goals.
This Diwali, choose to celebrate every moment while keeping wellness at the heart of the festivities. Naturally rich in protein, fibre, and heart-healthy fats, almonds are a wholesome choice that fit seamlessly into every Diwali spread.
They can be enjoyed as a smart treat, sprinkled over sweet delights, or presented as a thoughtful gift that delivers on both taste and wellness.
Known as the “king of nuts,” almonds include 15 essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, zinc, dietary fibre, magnesium, and vitamin E, among others, and are widely recognised for their several health advantages, which include blood sugar regulation, muscle rehabilitation, heart health, and weight management.
Rich in nutrition and endlessly versatile, almonds make it easier to enjoy the spirit of Diwali without compromising on well-being.
Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan shares how she balances celebrations with mindful choices for her family, “Diwali is a time for celebrating the joy of togetherness with family and friends, and as a mother, I want Inaaya to be able to enjoy all the celebrations but also learn to make healthier food choices.
I make sure to engage her in learning about what goes into the food that we indulge in. I have learned to turn our festivities into a healthier affair by substituting high-sugar, high-carb ingredients with nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods like almonds.
Rich in dietary fibre and protein, almonds keep us feeling fuller for longer, which translates into less mindless munching on the not-so-healthy fare that tends to stockpile during the festivities. Let’s celebrate the light of health and happiness with the ones we love this Diwali, one wholesome bite at a time.”
Ayurveda Expert Dr. Madhumitha Krishnan echoes this, highlighting the role almonds have in traditional wellness, “In Ayurveda, diet, or ahara, is the foundation of good health. Almonds have long been celebrated for their benefits, balancing the doshas and promoting vitality.
Unlike heavy sweets that aggravate Kapha and cause sluggishness, almonds provide satiety without harm. Established Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani texts also mention almonds as useful for skin well-being.
This Diwali, adding almonds to your festive plate—be it in conventional recipes, or as generous gifts—is a simple yet effective way to celebrate while remaining true to the precepts of holistic wellness.”
Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, further emphasised mindful celebration, “As a nutritionist, I constantly remind people that Diwali is a time to celebrate, but also a time to make thoughtful decisions.
Make healthier choices rather than reaching for sugary candies and fried snacks, which can raise blood sugar levels and impact weight. Rich in protein, fibre, vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus, almonds are a great addition to traditional foods without sacrificing flavour, making them a great choice for the holiday season.
The Dietary Guidelines for Indians by ICMR-NIN also recognise nuts like almonds as nutritious and safe to include daily.
Making small adjustments, like using almonds in recipes, substituting dates for refined sugar, or eating them as a snack, lets you completely enjoy the celebrations without compromising your long-term health. The key is to celebrate wisely, not restrictively.”
This year, celebrate the season of light with moments that are as nourishing as they are joyful. By adding California Almonds to your festive spread, every gathering is bound to be both wholesome and delightful.
