Guilt free Diwali

Guilt free Diwali

October 2024

Enjoy a  guilt-free  DIWALI 

This Diwali, you don’t need to diet as healthier options for sweets can be prepared, says  Naini Setalvad. Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for joy and celebration, and indulgence in rich and sweet treats that can often be high in calories and sugar. However, by embracing healthier versions of these beloved desserts, you don’t have to compromise on taste or festivity. As a nutritionist, I’m excited to guide you through some delightful low-calorie and nutritious alternatives that will keep your  Diwali celebrations both satisfying and health-conscious. 

• Fruit Chat: A simple and refreshing option,  a fruit chaat combines seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and bananas, with a dash of chaat masala and lemon juice. This dessert is naturally sweet and packed with vitamins,  minerals, and fibre. The addition of a bit of chaat masala adds a flavourful twist without extra calories. 

•Baked apple slices: Apples are naturally sweet and low in calories.  Slice them thinly, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon, and bake until tender. This dessert  

not only offers a warm and comforting treat but also provides antioxidants and dietary fibre. 

• Sugar-free shrikhand: At my home, Diwali is incomplete without shrikhand. We make a light and fluffy shrikhand with stevia. You can use other sweeteners as well. This high-protein dessert is perfect for those suffering from diabetes. 

• Sandesh: Mawa and sugar barfis, which are popular during Diwali, can be substituted with sandesh. If you choose Nolen gur sandesh, then it’s even better as this cottage cheese and jaggery preparation from  Bengal simply crumbles in your mouth. 

• Khajoor paak: One of my favourite delights to have during Diwali, it is made of date and fig paste, covered in nuts, and contains only natural sugars. Rich in iron,  magnesium, and calcium, it’s a tasty and healthy treat.  

• Almond milk kheer:  Traditional kheer is a rich, rice-based dessert, but you can lighten it by using a small amount of natural sweetener like stevia or date paste, and add cardamom and a few nuts for flavor. Use regular milk and avoid thickening it. This version of kheer is lower in calories and offers a delightful nutty flavour. 

• Mishti doi: My memories of mishti doi go way back to my childhood, when I used to visit my uncle in Kolkata. The creamy, delectable yogurt is sweetened with Nolen gur. Rich in protein and probiotics, it’s a wonderful option to serve to guests.  

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• Besan halwa: Soft, sweet, and scrumptious,  besan halwa is a crowd-pleaser. Chickpea flour is high in protein and fibre; therefore, this halwa can be nutritious if you avoid refined sugar and use less ghee. Use a natural sweetener like jaggery in place of refined sugar.  

• Birunj: Popularly made on Basant Panchami,  this dish is also made to celebrate new beginnings. It comprises rice, dry fruits, cow’s ghee,  and saffron, all sweetened with jaggery. Served with your meal or as dessert afterwards, this healthy concoction is sure to win hearts. 

Tips for a Healthier Diwali 

• Portion control: Even when enjoying healthier desserts, portion control is key. Opt for smaller servings to savour the flavours without overindulging. 

• Mindful eating: Take time to appreciate the flavours and textures of your dessert. Eating mindfully can enhance your enjoyment and help you feel satisfied with smaller portions. 

• Hydration: Stay hydrated throughout the festival. Sometimes our bodies confuse thirst with hunger,  leading to unnecessary snacking. 

• Balance your plate: Pair your dessert with a balanced meal that includes lean proteins,  whole grains, and plenty of vegetables to keep your overall diet nutritious. 

Diwali is a time for celebration and joy, and with these healthier dessert options, you can enjoy the festival without straying from your nutritional goals. By making thoughtful choices and embracing these lower-calorie, nutrient-dense alternatives, you can keep the festive spirit alive while taking care of your well-being. 

RECIPES 

Shrikhand with stevia  

Ingredients  

• 4 cups thick yogurt  

• ¼ th cup stevia  

• 1 tsp cardamom 

• ¼ th tsp saffron  

• 2 tbsp milk  

• Pistachio slivers (optional) 

Method 

1. First, drain the yogurt. Put a muslin or cheese 

cloth over a strainer/colander and pour the yo 

gurt over it to drain. Place a bowl underneath  

the strainer to collect the excess water. Tie the  

cloth and put a small, heavy weight on it. 

Khajoor-almond Laddoos  

Ingredients  

• ½ cup almonds  

• ½ cup walnuts  

• 20 seedless dates  

• Dry rose petals (optional)  

• Crushed pistachio (optional)  

Method  

1. Coarsely blend the almonds and walnuts in a blender. 

2. Add the dates to this mixture and blend again.  

3. Make into round balls and roll into rose petals and crushed pistachios. 

4. Serve fresh or refrigerate and store. 

2. Move the yogurt with a strainer and bowl into the refrigerator for at least six hours to drain ex cess water. The yogurt will become thick. 

3. Dissolve the saffron in warm milk. Milk will take on the yellowish-orange colour of saffron. Add the stevia to the yogurt and beat/whisk well till the stevia dissolves. You may use a hand mixer. 

4. Add saffron milk to yogurt and mix well, then add cardamom powder. Combine well. Cover the bowl tightly using cling film, and keep it in the fridge for 4–6 hours. 

5. Top with pistachios and serve chilled. 

Naini Setalvad is a nutritionist, specialising in lifestyle and immunity disorders. Her foundation, Health For You, throws light on healthy food habits. Contact her at healthforyou@nainisetalvad.com