Happy Weekend Chembur Family.

Festivals are a time for sharing sweets, preparing traditional snacks and enjoying meals with family and friends. But between boxes of mithai, chocolates and fried farsan, it can be easy to lose track of what we eat. The good news is that celebrating doesn't have to mean giving up your favourite festive treats. According to Dt. Jheel JS, a few thoughtful changes to ingredients and cooking methods can make them a little more nutritious.

Instead of relying entirely on refined sugar, experiment with dates, date powder and fresh or dried fruits to add sweetness to desserts. Carrots, pumpkins and other naturally sweet ingredients can also bring flavour to festive recipes. Remember, though, that jaggery and dried fruits still contain sugars, so portion sizes matter.

Love karanji or ghughra? Try baking them instead of deep-frying. Multigrain flours and fillings made with walnuts, cashews, flaxseeds and dates can add variety and nutrients while keeping the familiar festive flavours.

Mathri and chakli don't always have to be made with refined flour. Try incorporating millet flours such as ragi, jowar or amaranth, along with pulse flours. Baking or air-frying can also reduce the amount of oil used compared with deep-frying.

Baking, steaming and dry-roasting are useful alternatives to deep-frying. For a lighter snack, try roasted makhana or rice flakes seasoned with traditional spices. Small changes in how food is prepared can make a difference without taking away the pleasure of festive snacking.

Aerated drinks and many packaged milkshakes can add considerable sugar to an already indulgent festive spread. Offer guests alternatives such as smoothies made with milk or yoghurt and whole fruit, or homemade fruit pops. Whole fruit can also add fibre that strained juice may lack.

Festive food is about enjoyment, tradition and bringing people together, not following a perfect menu. You don't have to replace every favourite or make every dish a health food. Start with a few changes that work for your family, enjoy treats in sensible portions and make room for variety.

The best festive table is one where you can enjoy the traditions you love while making thoughtful choices for your family's well-being.