Ganesh Chaturthi brings with it the familiar flavours of modaks, sweets and festive meals enjoyed with family and friends. And while a modak (or two) is very much part of the celebration, enjoying festive favourites does not mean putting everyday nutrition on pause. The key is to find a balance that allows you to savour the occasion without feeling like you have overindulged.

According to Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head- Dietetics, Max Healthcare, New Delhi, festive eating is less about what you take off your plate and more about how you build your day around the foods you enjoy. She says, “Festivals naturally bring more variety to our meals, and there is no reason to feel guilty about enjoying festive treats. Instead, think about the bigger picture of your day- balance richer festive foods with nourishing meals, and pay attention to portions. This way, festive indulgence can be enjoyed as part of an overall balanced eating pattern.”