Diwali is just around the corner, and we know you've already started planning for the celebrations- especially the food! But amidst the excitement, there's a growing concern in the country. Increased sweets and junk food intake during Diwali leads to mental and physical stress, weight gain, and cholesterol spikes.

According to The Economic Times, sugar consumption during Diwali 2023 hit an all-time high, soaring by 32%. Men craved more, with a 38% increase in sugar intake, compared to 25% in women. This excess sugar consumption and lack of exercise caused men to gain an average of 1.7 kg, while women gained 1.28 kg- all in just one week!

At iThrive, we know how serious these health concerns are, so we're offering healthy Diwali snacks that let you enjoy Diwali without compromising your well-being.

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Best 6 Delicious and Healthy Diwali Snacks Recipe

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1. Baked Sev- Crispy Joy, No Fried Fat!

Diwali is all about celebration, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on health! Baked Sev is a fantastic healthy Diwali snack to traditional deep-fried Sev, offering a delicious crunch without guilt. Here’s why you should consider it:

• Lower in Calories: Since baked sev is not fried, it is a lighter option, making you less bloated!
• Gluten-Free and Vegan: Many baked sev varieties are gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free, making them suitable for various dietary preferences. 
• Protein-Packed: Some baked products are high in protein, adding nutritional value to your snacking.

Check out the full recipe and elevate your festive snacks!

2. Baked Puri- Crunchy, Not Greasy

Baked Puris are delicious and have several health benefits that make them perfect healthy Diwali snacks. Some of the benefits are:

• Low-calorie: They are baked hence low in calories, and a great fit for a diabetic-friendly diet.
• Rich in Iron & Calcium: Baked puris help support strong bones and boost your daily nutrient intake, making them a nutritious snack.
• Pregnancy-Approved Snack: Perfect snack option for women, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, as they provide essential nutrients without the extra fat.
• Multi-Flour Magic: These puris can be made with multi-flours and poppy seeds, adding minerals like calcium and potassium, which are great for overall health.

Check out the full recipe here and make your Diwali celebrations a little lighter and a lot more delicious!

3. Banana Muffins- Healthy Muffins for Happy Tummies

If you want a delicious, sweet, guilt-free, and healthy Diwali snack, then banana muffins can be your perfect choice! Here’s why they’re healthy:

• Nutrient-Packed Bananas: These fruits are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and maintain hydration. Additionally, their fiber content aids digestion, making them a smart addition to your snack list.
• Whole Grain Flour: Using whole grain flour increases the fiber content keeping your body healthier.
• Natural Sweeteners: Swap out refined sugar for maple syrup, dates powder, or coconut sugar. These natural sweeteners add flavor without the sugar crash!
• Customization Galore: Banana muffins can be customized to your taste! Add chocolate chips, fruits, or dried cranberries.

Check out the full Banana Walnut Muffins recipe to bring a healthy twist to your Diwali celebrations.

4. Coconut Barfi- Nutty Delight, Purely Healthy

Coconut barfi isn’t just a delicious treat but it’s packed with nutrients! Made primarily from coconut, it’s rich in manganese, copper, and iron. These essential nutrients can boost your health in various ways, making this sweet smart choice a healthy Diwali snack. Here are the top benefits:

• Boosts Immunity: Coconut is rich in lauric acid, known for its immune-boosting properties, helping your body fight off infections and keeping you healthy during the festive season.
• Good for Digestion: Coconut contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent common post-festival issues like bloating and indigestion.
• Heart-Friendly: Coconut’s medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) help improve heart health by increasing good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
• Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Option: Coconut barfi is perfect for those with gluten or dairy sensitivities.
• Rich in Nutrients: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals like manganese, copper, and iron, coconut barfi offers more than just a sweet indulgence.

Make this delicious and nutritious treat for Diwali with our full recipe.

5. Besan Ladoo- Nourishment in Every Bite

Besan Ladoo is a popular Indian sweet that is delicious and packed with tons of health benefits. Here’s why besan laddoo should be one of your go-to healthy Diwali snacks:

• Low Glycemic Index: With its rich complex carbohydrates and low glycemic index, besan laddoo satisfies your sweet cravings without adding excessive calories. 
• Contains Protein and Fiber: These laddoos provide a good dose of protein and fiber, helping to keep your cravings in check and maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
• Healthy Fats: Made with pure ghee, besan laddoo contains essential fatty acids that promote brain health and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

You can easily make besan laddoos at home with our quick recipe.

6. Coconut Cookies- Soft, sweet, and nutrient-rich treat

Coconut cookies are equally delicious and healthy due to their amazing ingredients. Here’s why they can be a better choice for your healthy Diwali snacks:

• Rich in Nutrients: Coconuts are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious option for snacking.
• Antioxidant Power: The phenolic compounds in coconuts help reduce free radicals in the body, potentially lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease.
• Blood Sugar Control: High in fiber and low in carbs, coconut cookies can help manage blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Weight Management: The medium-chain fats in coconuts can boost your metabolism, aiding in weight loss.
• Bone Health: Coconuts are a great source of manganese, an essential nutrient for strong bones.
• Natural Defense: With antimicrobial and antifungal properties, coconut cookies can help keep skin issues at bay.

While store-bought cookies often contain high sugar and processed ingredients, making coconut cookies at home allows you to control what goes in. Use whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and unsweetened coconut. You can even enhance their nutrition by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Check out the full recipe here!

With the alarming rise in sugar and junk consumption, things might worsen faster inside your body than you start noticing. At iThrive, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate this festive season with healthier recipes that don’t compromise on taste. Let’s light up our minds with healthy Diwali snacks- because every festival should be a reason to celebrate, not a reason to worry!

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‍Happy Diwali!