'Mindfulness makes festivals even more special'

Jay Mehta shares how she and her daughter Sharanya celebrate festivals with much more awareness and how it made such a beautiful difference in their lives

We have been blessed to follow the SHARAN Whole Food Plant Based lifestyle since 2020 prior to which Navratri celebrations and all festivals were loaded with indulging in deep fried and dairy and sugar filled feasts. I remember we used to over eat and put on weight and go on a guilt trip for days. We would also feel lethargic and sluggish and didn't really enjoy the next day  festivities in their true sense. So both physically and mentally we would be drained. However now we have truly learnt to celebrate. Our festivities are now sprinkled with health and awareness as we enjoy with laddoos and kheer sweetened with pure organic dates and guilt-free savouries with zero oil and preservatives. Since we are Jains and believe in compassion, we would never burn crackers, but now even our food is full of compassion as it consists of no dairy. Since it's whole food, we don't tend to over eat, and feel lighter, energetic and fresher! Also our gifting has become more mindful as we gift only healthy treats to our loved ones. Most even look forward to it and appreciate it. 

Witnessing the amazing changes in us, our relatives and friends are more understanding and accepting of our lifestyle. Yesterday we were invited for a haldi kumkum and instead of milk based kheer, the host treated us to a magnanimous serving of organic dried fruits like cranberry, black and brown raisins and she was so inspired by our firm mental resolve in following the discipline at her loving home that she is motivated to visit us and learn all about health. So the moral of the story is that we have completely stopped fearing about being ridiculed for being healthy or not getting healthy options. We are extremely well taken care of lovingly and respectfully wherever we go. Truly mindfulness makes festivals even more special.

Coconut Barfi

Delight your loved ones with this easy to make healthy sweet at home and don't get surprised if they keep asking you for more…

Ingredients:

• 2 cups desiccated coconut/fresh coconut
   
• ½ cup coarsely powdered cashew nuts
   
• ¼ cup dry date powder
   
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
   
• 1 cup raisins, or as required to bind the barfi
   
• ⅛ tsp unrefined salt

Method:

Mix all the ingredients together (except the raisins), very well. Mash the raisins and knead them into the coconut mixture. Press this mixture into a wide stainless steel dish and cut into desired shapes. Garnish with desiccated coconut. Refrigerate the barfi for 6-8 hours before unmoulding. Store in the refrigerator.

Makes about 25 squares

Food For The Mind

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1. SHARAN India is SHARAN's main Facebook page which you can like and follow for getting useful daily updates and news from the plant based health world. You will also get news about the latest SHARAN events, see testimonials, and more.

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Infuse health into festivities

True enjoyment comes with health. It’s hard to enjoy celebrations if we are unwell. During festivals, weddings and special occasions, we often destroy our health with the wrong food, lack of sleep and maybe even stress. Instead, we can celebrate the same occasions consciously with health, mindfulness and joy. Find out how…

1. Be open to being different Most of us simply do what others do. Instead you can lead through example and make a difference. It may take time, but people will follow you.

2. Understand what you are celebrating Sadly, most celebrations have now become all about the invites, decor, food, clothing, photographs and show of opulence. We seem to have lost sight of what is important. Take some time and reflect upon the ‘why’, then the ‘how’ will become easy.

3. Plan things differently Think long-term and plan things with low wastage in mind. From e-invites to eco-friendly practices, to thoughtful gifting to plant-based food, so much can be done for the better.

4. Involve others Instead of having a birthday party, why not spend some time in an orphanage or an old age home? Or go for a tree plantation drive on one of the Diwali days?

5. Gift sensibly Most of us own so many things now that we have stopped valuing anything. Thoughtful gestures make a difference. Consider gifting air-purifier plants that are easy to maintain. Why not make healthy sweets yourself as gifts? Gratitude books or experiences and workshops that will be cherished are great ideas too.

6. Be mindful Of what and how much you eat and what you say and do. Eat at home or choose food carefully. Leave a celebration in time to ensure a restful sleep. If no one else, your body will thank you.

7. Support newbies Support young or new conscious entrepreneurs, designers, bakers, home chefs, decorators, etc. who are trying to make a difference.

8. Have limits Overindulgence reduces the fun! When you party selectively, you truly enjoy yourself.