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 or anges, pomegranates, and banan- as, 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-pro 

tein dessert is perfect  

for those suffering  

from diabetes. 

•Sandesh: 

Mawa and sugar barfis, which  are popular during Diwali, can be substituted by  

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 des 

sert, but you can light 

en it by using a small  

amount of natural  

sweetener like stevia or  

date paste, and add carda 

mom and a few nuts for fla 

vour. 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 child 

hood 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 won derful 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 hal wa 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 begin nings. 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 en joying 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 choic 

es and embracing these lower-calorie, nutri ent-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 pet als and crushed pistachios. 

4. Serve fresh or refrigerate and store. 

2. Move the yogurt with 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