Enjoying a Healthy Onam Feast: Tips to Relish the Onam Sadhya

As the joyous Onam celebrations unfold, the delightful Onasadhya (Onam feast) takes center stage. Yet, some, particularly the elderly, approach this feast with health concerns, cautious about indulging in every dish. But fear not, as these minor adjustments in preparing the grand meal can enable you to fully relish the festivities. Remember, moderation is key – savor the lavish lunch and opt for a simpler dinner.

Prioritize the festival’s essence while keeping an eye on your sugar levels. Swap out regular sugar for healthier alternatives like coconut jaggery or palm sugar candy when creating desserts. Embrace these dos and don’ts to make the most of the festive period:

• Skip the papad and banana sides; experiment with Apple pudding instead. • When crafting avail, increase ingredients like white gourd, cucumber, and carrot, and lessen those like yam and potato. After cooking, add a few drops of coconut oil and blend in hand-ground curry leaves before serving. • For parippu curry, minimize coconut usage and enhance small onion content for improved taste. • Use home-fermented curd for pachadi preparation; indulge freely. • Create thoran from banana blossoms or stems, readily available in markets. • Roast pappad instead of deep frying, using a gas stove’s grill frame. Limit consumption to one small pappad. • Include pumpkin in curries like erissery and pachadi for its rich Vitamin B content that supports nerves. Pumpkin seeds offer calcium benefits for bones and teeth. Even the peel aids digestion and stomach cleansing and can be transformed into pudding. • Incorporate brinjal, known for preventing bone osteoarthritis, strengthening muscles, aiding joints, and benefiting kidney health. Use it in sambar or thoran. • Unconventional but effective, green peas can substitute regular peas, suitable even for those with high blood pressure. These protein-rich seeds, when combined with rice, reduce carbohydrate absorption. • Utilize gooseberries for pickle preparation. Minimal oil won’t compromise taste.

The typical caloric intake from Onasadhya is approximately 1900 calories. Following these guidelines can bring it down to 1500-1600 calories, ensuring a healthier celebration.