How to enjoy blini at Maslenitsa without the guilt or heaviness

The Lady Maslenitsa festival returns to St. Petersburg on February 21 and 22. As celebrations approach, nutrition experts are sharing advice on how to enjoy blini—the traditional Russian pancakes—without overdoing it. Alexey Nikonov, editor-in-chief of Statsionar-Press, offered practical tips for making and eating them in a healthier way.

Blini are often rich and filling, so timing matters. Eating them for breakfast or lunch helps avoid a heavy feeling later in the day. A healthy adult can safely enjoy 2–3 blini, while athletes may handle 3–4. Children should stick to 1–2 small ones, and those watching their weight can have up to two—but not daily.

The ingredients also make a difference. Using whole-grain, buckwheat, or oat flour instead of white flour adds fibre and keeps you full longer. For the batter, one egg per batch and milk with 1% to 2.5% fat strikes a good balance. A well-heated pan cuts down on the oil needed for frying, making them lighter.

Fillings play a key role in keeping blini nutritious. Instead of jam or preserves, frozen berries add sweetness with fewer additives. For a savoury option, boiled chicken or turkey, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh herbs keep the glycemic index low.

With a few simple adjustments, blini can fit into a balanced diet. The festival in St. Petersburg will give locals and visitors a chance to enjoy them while keeping health in mind. Following these guidelines helps make the most of the tradition without excess.