Try these healthy eating habits for this Diwali season

In India, festival time is when people tend to stray from healthy eating habits and allow themselves to binge-eat and eat unhealthy food that is typically not a part of their everyday diet. While occasional cheat meals are okay, one must also learn to consciously stay away from foods that can harm their health and lead to lifelong issues. To enjoy guilt-free desserts, check out these pointers from a senior nutrition therapist at Fortis Hospital Minal Shah.

Opt for milk-based dessert

A milk-based dessert like shrikhand, sandesh, mishit doi, kheer, etc. might be your best choice. Milk is a good source of first-class protein. What’s more, these desserts can easily be made at home with any modifications that we desire.

Natural flavouring agents

Try replacing sugar with natural flavouring agents. These include cinnamon, nutmeg, dry fruits like dates and raisins and fresh fruits. To an extent, jaggery and honey can also opt over refined sugar with quantity restriction.

Choose healthier dessert

Choose healthier desserts among existing ones. For example, you might want to opt badam katli (omega-3 fatty acids) over kaju katli. Instead of rava ladoo, try besan ladoo (protein) or peanut ladoo (MUFA). And while we're at it, why not replace coconut ladoo with mysore pak (protein)? If you're in the mood for rava sheera this season, try carrot halwa or dudhi halwa (antioxidants/vitamins) instead. You get the point.

Consider portion size

There may be desserts which are high in fats like jalebi, malpua, gulab jamun, gulpapdi, sheera etc. If it’s your favourite, reduce the portion size. Cut smaller pieces to reduce the calorie intake. And don't forget the basics! Add a good bowl of salad with different coloured vegetables and fruits to ensure healthy fibre in every meal.

Low calories fillers

Add fillers for yourself and your guests, which are low in calories and tasty as well like ginger lemonade, virgin pina colada, kiwi margarita, masala milk, thandai, milkshake with fennel seeds, falooda, cucumber mint cooler, tomato mocktail, etc.