In India, The Christmas just around the corner, many of us are in the joy of baking sweet treats. While these treats can certainly lift our spirits and create a festive atmosphere, it’s essential to understand that overindulgence can potentially impact our health. This concern is relevant considering the rising cases of diabetes and prediabetes.
A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation estimated that India has around 101 million people living with diabetes and another 136 million people in pre-diabetes stage. With all the tasty cakes and chocolates around this festive season, it is time to be mindful about our health and wellbeing and make wise eating choices.
Almonds play a vital role, especially if we are looking to incorporate a healthy lifestyle and cut back on sugary foods. Almonds are a powerhouse of goodness and are a source of 15 nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, riboflavin, zinc, protein, among others, that are vital for our body. Almonds are a convenient travel snack that can be carried and consumed while on-the-go. They can also be used as a garnish on our food and desserts. Furthermore, snacking on almonds can effectively curb hunger, potentially aiding in weight loss by facilitating reduced calorie consumption.
Fitness and Celebrity instructor, Yasmin Karachiwala believes, “One should enjoy the festive season along with their favourite sweets and foods but do so in moderation. These indulgences should also be complemented with some form of exercise. It’s okay to not engage in rigorous workouts during the festive/holiday period but incorporating light exercises like yoga or brisk walking is beneficial. We should also be mindful of what we eat. While it is common to indulge in not-so-healthy diets during festivities, one must be mindful of adding healthy elements like almonds to their diet”.
She adds “This ensures that you can relish great food during the festive season without compromising too much on your health. It’s always good to start your day with a handful of almonds. You can also make your Christmas cake a bit healthier by garnishing it with almonds and by replacing sugar with healthy alternatives.
“The festive season is a time when people often lose control of their diet, regardless of the health issues they may be facing. However, one should enjoy the festive time but not at the expense of their health. Adding items like almonds to the food we eat contributes to overall health without compromising the festive mood and taste buds too much. Almonds are versatile and can be eaten in their raw form or added to favourite desserts as an ingredient or for garnishing said Ritika Samaddar, Max Healthcare, Dietetics Regional Head- Delhi.
Then she adds that “These tiny nuts are a source of 15 nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, zinc, and so on. Protein is known for contributing to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Almonds are also rich in Vitamin B2, magnesium, and phosphorus, nutrients recognized for their role in releasing energy from food.”
