By Amrit Kaur

From playing with colours and water guns to loading up on yummy gujiyas, Holi is truly an occasion that brings everyone closer. The towering array of sweets, drinks, and snacks is quite irresistible and it’s only human to want to indulge your taste buds during the festivities. However, consuming too many sugary snacks and sweets during your Holi celebrations can set you back on your health and fitness journey. So, skip the guilt-trip and choose these healthy alternatives which pack the same flavours, punch, and intensity. It’s time to fill your bellies with exciting yet thoughtful food choices, and leave anxieties and calories behind.

1.) Low-Calorie Thandai

Thandai is a must at any Holi party—no other drink comes close. But a few glasses of this delicious beverage can ruin your carefully planned diet. We’re not saying you need to skip it altogether, but it may be a good idea to tweak the recipe. Use sugar substitutes like palm sugar or jaggery, and pair it with skimmed milk, which will increase the nutritional value of the drink.

2.) Baked Gujiyas

Nothing says Holi like a good ol’ gujiya. These flaky and crisp sweets, however, are loaded with sugar and oil. Baking your gujiyas instead of frying them will help in making them healthier. You can also fill your baked gujiyas with fruits like apples and pineapples.

3.) Baked Khakras

One of the most popular Gujarati snacks, khakras are usually roasted in the pan with oil. To choose a healthier variation, you can opt for baked versions of the same snack. A variety of flavours of baked khakras are readily available in the market, so make sure to include them in your Holi celebrations.

4). Healthy Sev Puri

This sweet, spicy, and tangy gem comes from the streets of Mumbai. To give it a healthy twist, include ingredients like bean sprouts, ginger, coriander leaves, baked papdis, and vegetables in your sev puri.