Every year, festival seasons bring happiness, greetings, togetherness, cultural expressions, and varieties of delicious foods. These festivals bring families and communities together, and food is at the center of love, hospitality, and cultural traditions during these events. However, during festival seasons, the importance of healthy eating cannot be overlooked. This is particularly important for those people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory illnesses. Responsible eating during festivals should not be considered a restriction on enjoyment but an essential practice for protecting health along with the preservation of the spirit of celebration.
NCDs are the major cause of mortality throughout the world, including Nepal. There are several risk factors for many of the NCDs such as unhealthy diets, tobacco use, excessive amount of alcohol, and physical inactivity. In Nepal, about 71 per cent of deaths are attributed to NCDs (WHO, 2026), which was around 30 per cent three decades earlier. The growing trend of NCDs is associated with the change in lifestyles, increased consumption of highly processed foods, and decreased physical activity. Festivals can intensify these risks as people usually consume more sweets, processed foods, fried and salty foods, and meals with high-fat.
Delicacies
The change in food intake during festivals makes it more difficult for those living with NCDs to manage their conditions. Sudden spikes in blood glucose due to excessive sugar intake can complicate blood glucose management, and similarly high sodium consumption can contribute to higher blood pressure. Meals containing a high amount of unhealthy fats may contribute to cardiovascular diseases over time. It is important to note that a single festive meal does not cause a serious health problem; however, repeated overeating and unhealthy food over time can undermine disease management.
Although festivals are special occasions when people consume a variety of dishes, usually in excess, consuming excessive amounts of these foods during the entire period of the festival is not a healthy approach. To preserve cultural heritage, traditional food should be consumed in moderation, but the way food is prepared matters greatly. People should consume a moderate number of traditional delicacies containing sugar. However, it is important to include more vegetables, pulses, whole grains, and fresh fruits along with traditional delicacies.
Moreover, it is important to acknowledge that responsible eating does not mean avoiding traditional delicacies altogether. It means making rational choices that allow people to enjoy traditional dishes without unnecessarily compromising their health, particularly for people with NCDs.
People living with NCDs need to give careful attention to their diets. Excessive consumption of carbohydrates and limiting excessive intake of sugary drinks and foods are important for people with diabetes. Both skipping meals and overeating are not advisable, as irregular eating patterns can affect blood glucose levels, particularly for people using certain diabetes medicines or insulin.
Mindful salt intake is advised for people with hypertension. These individuals can take pickles, processed foods, salty meat dishes, and other sodium-rich foods but in moderation. People with heart diseases should limit their consumption of saturated fats and strictly follow other dietary recommendations as suggested by their healthcare professionals.
Depending on the condition, people with chronic kidney disease may limit their intake of sodium, potassium, and fluids. It is important to individualise dietary plan as per the medical conditions for those living with NCDs. In addition, people with NCDs should not alter or stop their prescribed medications during festivals and should stock adequate number of medicines for entire period of festival. They are advised to follow the usual treatment plan and consult their nutritionists, physicians or pharmacists for any concerns about foods, fasting, and schedules.
Families and communities have an important role to play during festivals. Eating more or encouraging guests to eat more should not be considered as affection or hospitality. These gestures, although with good intentions, can be harmful. It is, therefore, important to respect individual dietary needs and avoid judging people who decline additional servings. To make festive meals enjoyable for everyone, it is advised to make healthier alternatives, offer smaller portions, reduce sugar and salt in dishes, and include more vegetables.
All stakeholders, from community organisations and health professionals to local authorities, can use festivals as opportunities to raise awareness about the prevention of NCDs. During festivals, large-scale public awareness campaigns focusing on balanced diets, physical activity, and reducing the consumption of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats can be planned without undermining cultural traditions. Food vendors and sweet shops also have a responsibility not to use inedible food colors and additives. It is, therefore, their responsibility to prepare food with appropriate amounts of sugar, salt, healthy fat, and edible food color.
Responsible eating
There are few approaches for responsible eating. First, eating regular, balanced meals with small portions helps people avoid overeating and hunger. We all should enjoy traditional delicacies with moderate consumption. Another important approach is to fill a reasonable portion of the plate with vegetables and pulses or other proteins to improve nutritional balance. People should drink sufficient water but limit sugary drinks and beverages. To avoid unnecessary sugar intake, it is advised to choose water over sugary beverages.
Physical activity should not be overlooked. During these festivals, walking, dancing, and helping with household work can keep people active. It is, however, advised to choose activities appropriate to their abilities and strictly adhere to medical advice. Responsible eating during festivals should not be seen as sacrificing happiness or declining cultural traditions. In order to have a healthy balance between happiness, enjoyment, and well-being, responsible eating matters greatly. It is, thus, suggested that people living with NCDs be more cautious regarding healthy eating during festivals.
(Dr. Lohani is the clinical director at the Nepal Poison Information Centre. lohanis@gmail.com)
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