How to Celebrate Purim the Healthy Way

Purim is one of the most joyful holidays of the year for kids and adults alike. While everyone is busy getting costumes ready, the excitement often centers around the Mishloach Manot, those festive gift packages we give to friends and family. But who says they have to be full of sugar and junk food? This year, you can make Purim both fun and nourishing.

With all the holiday gatherings, sweets, alcohol, and snacks can easily pile up. So how can we enjoy Purim while also caring for our health? Here are six helpful tips to keep you feeling great all holiday long.

1. Make a Healthy and Thoughtful Mishloach Manot
One of the mitzvot (commandments) of Purim is to send Mishloach Manot to one another to spread joy and unity. But that doesn’t mean it has to be packed with candy. Ask yourself: What kind of Mishloach Manot would I love to receive? You can make it delicious and healthy by including things like nuts and almonds (which are rich in vitamins), herbal teas or good coffee, spices, healthy spreads, dark chocolate, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and even low-carb homemade Hamantaschen.

2. Drink Alcohol Carefully
Another Purim tradition is to drink "until one no longer knows" but it’s important to keep things balanced. Drinking too much alcohol isn’t recommended, especially for people with diabetes. Alcohol can cause blood sugar to drop too low, especially when mixed with sweets. Try to avoid high-alcohol drinks like whiskey, vodka, and cognac. Instead, choose wine or champagne in small amounts, especially when drinking alongside a meal. If you use a continuous glucose monitor, check how alcohol affects your sugar levels.

3. Go Easy on the Sweets
Cakes, cookies, candies, wafers, they’re everywhere on Purim, and most are loaded with sugar, food coloring, and artificial flavorings that do more harm than good. You don’t have to skip all the treats, but try to enjoy them in moderation. Choose water instead of sugary drinks, and remind yourself that you can still have fun without overdoing it.

4. Stick to Regular Meals
Sweets and Mishloach Manot aren’t a substitute for a proper meal. Keep your regular meal times and eat balanced meals with protein like fish, chicken, meat, cheese, or eggs, and include vegetables with every meal. Try to avoid snacking between meals, even if the Mishloach Manot are tempting! Don’t feel you have to buy candy for the kids or guests. When you set a healthy tone at home, everyone benefits.

5. Keep Moving
Purim is filled with parties, meals, and get-togethers and that can easily push physical activity aside. But moving your body is so important. Exercise helps your blood flow, lifts your mood, and keeps you energized. So even during the busy holiday days, make time for a walk or your favorite workout. Your body and mind will thank you.

6. Make It Yourself
When you make your own Mishloach Manot, you get to add your personal touch—and make them healthier too. You can bake Hamantaschen with almond flour instead of margarine-filled dough, and choose fillings like poppy seeds (rich in calcium), nuts and almonds (great for good cholesterol and full of antioxidants), or dark chocolate (which helps blood flow and slows aging). It feels good to give something handmade, and even better when it’s good for you.

In short, Purim is a time to celebrate, but you don’t have to lose your balance. Stick to your regular meals, don’t overdo the sweets and alcohol, move your body, and enjoy giving Mishloach Manot that are both beautiful and nourishing. A little thought goes a long way and it’s a great way to share the joy of Purim in a healthier way.

Wishing you a happy, sweet, and healthy Purim!

Adina Behar is a diabetes and ketogenic nutritionist at the DMC Diabetes Treatment Center.