How to enjoy your Chanukah donuts without putting on weight

Donuts and dreidels — Photo: Shutterstock / tomertu

As Hanukkah approaches, that familiar aroma of fresh sufganiyot wafting from local bakeries presents us with the annual dilemma: How do we partake in this beloved holiday tradition without undoing our year-round healthy habits? It doesn't take a rocket scientists to realize that those pillowy, jelly-filled donuts aren't exactly health food.

Rather than taking an all-or-nothing approach, Jewish nutritionists and wellness experts suggest embracing the "mindful sufganiyah" philosophy. Here's how to have your donut and eat it too:

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1. Choose Quality Over Quantity

One exceptional sufganiyah is worth five mediocre ones. Pick the best bakery, get the freshest donut, and make it count. Skip the mass-produced varieties and opt for an artisanal sufganiyah that's truly worth the calories.

2. The Half-Donut Hack

Who says you need to eat a whole sufganiyah? Share one with a family member or friend. You'll still get the full taste experience while halving the caloric impact. Plus, it's a great way to sample different flavors without overdoing it.

3. Time Your Treats

Eat your sufganiyah after a balanced meal. You'll be less likely to overindulge, and your body will process the sugar more effectively when it's not on an empty stomach.

4. Movement Matters

The Maccabees didn't sit around eating donuts – they were warriors! Honor their legacy by staying active during the holiday:

- Take a family walk to look at Hanukkah decorations

- Stand while playing dreidel

- Dance to Hanukkah music

- Walk to pick up your sufganiyot instead of driving

5. Making Healthier Choices

When possible, opt for:

- Baked versions instead of fried

- Mini sufganiyot for portion control

- Lighter fillings like fruit preserves instead of custard

- Powdered sugar rather than thick glazes

Remember, Hanukkah is eight days, not eight weeks. It's what you do most of the time, not some of the time, that matters most for your health. Enjoying traditional foods mindfully during holidays is part of a balanced, joyful life.

Most importantly, focus on the real lights of the holiday – family, tradition, and gratitude. When we shift our attention from food anxiety to these deeper meanings, we naturally find more balance in our celebrations.

So go ahead and enjoy that sufganiyah – just do it with intention, awareness, and perhaps a brisk walk afterward. After all, our tradition teaches us that life is meant to be lived with joy, and sometimes that joy comes wrapped in powdered sugar.

For extra credit: Complement your Hanukkah treats with these healthy holiday habits:

- Start each day with a glass of water

- Add extra vegetables to your meals

- Take a short walk after lighting the menorah

- Get adequate sleep despite the festivities

Chag Sameach!