Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman Calls On Public To Say No To Doughnuts, Find Alternatives

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Israel's Health Minister Yaakov Litzman has called on the public to find a healthy alternative to the traditional Hanukkah treat sufganiyot.

Sufganiyot are jelly filled doughnuts which are customarily eaten during Hanukkah. Speaking during a conference on a healthy lifestyle in Herzliyah, Litzman said, "I urge the public to avoid eating fat-rich doughnuts," adding that it is possible to find healthy alternatives to sufganiyot.

The health minister targeted this tasty and unhealthy snack most usually filled with jelly after taking on fast food, junk food and chocolate milk in the past. Now, as the Hanukkah is near, the doughnuts are everywhere, including schools, offices, local markets and stores.

They may be taste good but are definitely not good for those eating them, said Litzman. An average doughnut which is fried in cheap oils contains between 400 and 500 calories. Those are empty carbohydrates that raise blood sugar levels, guaranteeing the eater will hit a sugar high and then sink down - and that s/he will be hungry again within a short period of time.

"There are alternatives to everything," he said at the conference. "There is no need to stuff our children with these items, which do not provide proper nutrition and are not part of a healthy diet."

"When I called to avoid eating McDonald's, people thought I was crazy. Maybe I should not have specified the name of the company. I meant junk food in general. Today I would say: Doughnuts out. You can eat some of course, as it's one of the customs of the holiday, but there are also alternatives," continued Minister Litzman.

Litzman has advocated for healthier living since he became the Health Minister and through this call he is continuing his campaign for healthier eating lifestyle. He has even introduced a new plan for regulations to promote healthy nutrition in Israel.