Festivals are all about love, food, and family — but let’s be honest, they often bring a side of overindulgence, too. From deep-fried snacks to sugary sweets, it’s easy to lose track of balance. To show how celebrations can be both joyful and healthy, the Almond Board of California hosted an engaging session titled “Festivals Made Healthier with Almonds: A Perfect Balance of Nutrition and Celebration” in Delhi. 

The event, moderated by RJ Samreen, brought together Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan, Nutrition Expert Ritika Samaddar, and Celebrity Chef Kabita Singh, who shared their tips on enjoying festive favourites without compromising on health.

“A handful of almonds and a little mindfulness go a long way” – Soha Ali Khan

Known for her grace and balanced lifestyle, Soha Ali Khan shared how she manages to stay fit and energized during the festival rush. “The festive season is full of get-togethers, Diwali parties, and family dinners — and with my shooting schedule on pause, workouts often take a backseat,” she said. “That’s when I fall back on a habit I’ve had since childhood — starting my day with California Almonds. They keep me full, support weight management, and give my skin a healthy glow.”

Soha added that she believes in keeping fitness simple and sustainable. “I stick to yoga, meditation, or some strength training, and almonds give me steady energy to go through the day guilt-free. Even ancient traditions like Ayurveda and Unani have long praised almonds for their benefits to skin and overall health. So, I truly believe that starting small — with mindful eating — can make a big difference.”

“Healthy swaps can make every festival more enjoyable” – Ritika Samaddar

Bringing the science to the celebration, Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head-Dietetics at Max Healthcare, Delhi, explained how a few simple swaps can make festive eating healthier without taking away the joy. “Every year, I see people feeling guilty for enjoying their favourite festive foods. But celebrations are meant to be enjoyed! The trick lies in small, mindful changes,” she said.

Ritika recommended replacing ultra-processed snacks with natural, nutrient-rich options like California Almonds, which she described as “the king of dry fruits.” She added, “Almonds are packed with 15 essential nutrients — protein, fibre, magnesium, healthy fats, and zinc. They help control blood sugar, manage weight, reduce cholesterol, and boost immunity. I even love gifting California Almonds during festivals — it’s my way of sharing health and happiness.”

Chef Kabita adds sweetness, the healthy way

To show that festive treats don’t have to be unhealthy, Celebrity Chef Kabita Singh presented her wholesome take on a traditional favourite — Almond Jaggery Katli. Swapping refined sugar with jaggery and using almonds as the star ingredient, she created a sweet that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. “Festive dishes should be a celebration of taste and nutrition,” she said. “This Katli is full of protein, fibre, and good fats — a true treat for both the heart and the soul.”

The event concluded with Chef Kabita’s live cooking demonstration, where guests saw firsthand how small ingredients like almonds can transform festive dishes into guilt-free indulgences.

A healthier way to celebrate

With lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart problems on the rise, the session’s message couldn’t have been more timely. Both Soha and Ritika reminded everyone that good health and great taste can go hand-in-hand.

As Soha put it perfectly, “Festivals are about happiness — and taking care of your health should be part of that joy.”