Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: 10 expert tips to manage blood sugar during celebrations

Nutrition experts share simple swaps and mindful eating practices to help you enjoy Ganesh Chaturthi sweets while keeping your blood sugar stable. (Image: Pexels)

Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival of devotion, love, and joy. Families prepare festive treats like modaks, laddus, and barfis as offerings to Lord Ganesha. While these sweets are symbols of tradition, they are often packed with sugar and refined carbs—making them tricky for those with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or anyone trying to balance blood sugar levels.

“Festival time brings indulgence, which often leads to overconsumption, meal imbalance, and sugar snacking. This results in sudden glucose peaks and dips,” explains Dr Aastha Nigam Mehra, Clinical Nutritionist and Founder of Mind And Health Pharma. Repeated alterations in these, in the long run, raises the possibility of diabetic problems, drowsiness as well as weight gain, she adds.

But the good news is that you do not have to skip any of your favourite sweets or grandeur celebrations. With careful planning, moderate servings, and intelligent selections, you can enjoy Ganesh Chaturthi without compromising your health.

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10 Ways to Control Blood Sugar During Ganesh Chaturthi

1. Start Your Day with a Protein-Rich Breakfast

Never skip breakfast. Ensure it is protein-based (eggs, paneer, or sprouts) to maintain blood sugar and curb cravings later in the day.

2. Choose Steamed Modaks Over Fried Ones

You can use either when making up for your healthy version, but traditional ukadiche modaks (steamed) are healthier than their deep-fried counterpart, being lower in saturated fat and calories, too.

3. Swap Refined Sugar for Natural Sweeteners

Avoid using refined sugar while preparing sweets at home, use jaggery, dates or stevia instead. They are high in minerals and have a relatively low Glycemic Index.

4. Practice Portion Control

Enjoy sweets in moderation. Serve only one modak at a time — and then eat it slowly instead of scoffing 3-4 at a time.

5. Add Fibre and Protein to Meals

Balance festive treats with high fibre foods like salads, lentils, paneer, or beans to slow down sugar absorption.

6. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can spike blood sugar. Instead of sugary drinks or sweetened beverages, drink water, lemon water, buttermilk, or herbal teas.

7. Avoid Long Gaps Between Meals

Eat small, balanced meals every 3–4 hours to prevent sugar crashes and overeating later.

8. Use Low-GI Ingredients in Festive Recipes

Use whole wheat, ragi or oats to make sweets rather than using refined flour to stabilize blood sugars.

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9. Stay Active After Meals

Post festive meals, take a 10–15 minute walk after eating to help your body consume glucose effectively and keep sugar level spikes out of reach.

10. Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly

If you are diabetic, it is essential to check your sugar levels at least twice daily and follow your doctor’s guidance about altering medication or meals respectively.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.