Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with nourishing sweets: Fitness consultants reveal high guilt-free candy selections

Raksha Bandhan is an iconic Indian competition celebrating the bond between siblings however the celebrations usually tempts us with conventional sweets, selling blood sugar as extreme consumption of sweets generally contributes to elevated blood sugar ranges and heightens the chance for diabetics. In non-diabetics, it will possibly result in insulin resistance and to not point out, consuming extra sweets can even contribute to weight achieve, coronary heart illness and dental points thus, this yr, allow us to prioritise health with out skimping on the festive spirit.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ushakiran Sisodia, Registered Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, advised 5 scientifically-backed, nourishing dessert options –

1. Besan Ladoo with Jaggery: Trading refined sugar for jaggery in besan ladoos is a clever selection. Jaggery, other than providing a definite wealthy taste, is filled with important minerals. Unlike white sugar which might result in fast blood sugar spikes, jaggery has a decrease glycemic index, inflicting gradual absorption and fewer pressure on the pancreas.

2. Dry Fruit Kheer: An up to date, wholesome tackle the age-old Kheer entails lowering sugar and including almonds, walnuts, and figs. Almonds are recognized for vitamin E, walnuts for his or her Omega-3 fatty acids, and figs for his or her considerable fiber, selling digestive well being and sustained power.

3. Dates and Nuts Barfi: Dates are nature’s sweet and provide sweetness with a wide range of nutritional vitamins and minerals. Paired with protein-rich nuts, this barfi serves as an power booster, providing sustained power launch and aiding muscle well being.

4. Oats and Coconut Ladoo: Adding oats, a revered supply of beta-glucans, aids in ldl cholesterol administration and digestive well being. Coconut, then again, gives medium-chain triglycerides – recognized to advertise coronary heart well being. You can select between honey or jaggery for sweetness.

5. Ragi Malpua with Honey Drizzle: Ragi is a brilliant grain, stuffed with calcium which is important for bone well being, and dietary fiber for optimum intestine perform. Choosing honey, wealthy in antioxidants, over syrupy sugar or chashni which might fight irritation and help general well being.

Asserting that desserts are a principal a part of any Indian competition and Raksha Bhandhan is all the time a particular competition, Aarti Karnawat, Consulting Dietician, Yog Therapist and Naturo Therapist at Nutricare in Mumbai, advisable 5 dessert choices that may be loved with out having any second ideas about weight achieve as these desserts should not solely scrumptious but additionally wholesome options. They are made with nutritious substances similar to fruits, nuts, and complete grains, guaranteeing you could indulge guilt-free throughout Rakshabandhan –

1. Rice kheer, made with dry fruits, coconut milk and jaggery. Here, we’re utilising coconut milk, which is excessive in protein, wholesome fats, iron, and magnesium. Good for the guts and hair. Jaggery is a superior option to sugar and can be wealthy in iron. This scrumptious kheer is stuffed with all of the important vitamins, tastes nice, and is a heart-healthy snack that one can take pleasure in with out feeling responsible about gaining weight.

2. Nutri bars are a tasty, wholesome possibility that include solely wholesome parts (cashews, almonds, walnuts, dates and figs) The recipe’s sweetener will include date and fig pulp that has been soaked. Dry fruits can be chopped into small items and mixed with date and fig juice. A nutri bar could be garnished with a wide range of wholesome seeds, similar to pumpkin, sunflower and flaxseeds, to make one that’s excessive in protein, omega fatty acids, and micronutrients.

3. Ice cream made from milk powder, almonds, dates, honey and darkish chocolate. Dark chocolate, which is anti-aging and excessive in micronutrients and has a low glycemic index, is a greater possibility than sugar. Iron and fiber are considerable in dates. Honey has a low glycemic index once more. For any event, this ice cream is the very best dessert.

4. Mixed fruit salad – Fresh fruit paired with nuts, seeds, muesli, and honey. This dish has a scrumptious, pure taste that one can take pleasure in with out feeling responsible. All the helpful vitamins discovered in several fruits, together with excessive ranges of fiber, antioxidants, nutritional vitamins, and minerals. It is extraordinarily wealthy in protein, fiber, and micronutrients with OMEGA due to the nuts and blended seeds. Honey, a naturally occurring sweetener with a excessive antioxidant content material, makes the very best dessert.

5. Date cake – Jaggery, wheat flour, ghee, curd, and nuts. Each element is helpful to well being. Iron, protein, calcium, zinc, and magnesium are all considerable on this cake. It will nonetheless be extra nutrient-dense as a result of to the fiber and omega-3 fatty acids present in nuts. This cake is one more guilt-free deal with to savor all through the festive season.

Satyajjit Hange, Co-Founder and Farmer at Two Brothers Organic Farm, opined, “On this Raksha Bandhan, let’s transform our celebrations by making thoughtful choices that prioritise both taste and well-being. By moving away from sugary mithai and chocolates filled with artificial enhancements, embrace the sattvic laddoos made from indigenous ingredients like sattu, gondh, sesame seeds and dry fruits, naturally sweetened with jaggery, mishri and dates, with this, we can create a healthier festive experience that delights the taste buds while nourishing the body.”

He suggested, “The refined Desi Gulab Pink Rose Gulkand can be utilised as a natural sweetener bringing together a blend of flavours and wholesome advantages that go beyond typical sugary options, exploring the array of natural nutri and minibars provides a versatile assortment to elevate our celebrations. In place of carbonated drinks, consider the traditional charm of Desi Thandai to satisfy thirst and elevate the festive spirit. By intertwining heritage and well-being in this Rakshabandhan, we can infuse each moment with joy and fortify our meaningful connections. Embrace smart choices, celebrate wholeheartedly, and let a sense of sweetness resonate across all aspects of this special occasion.”

Akash Sharma, Co-Founder of Farmley, concluded, “Celebrations should be both joyful and nourishing, just like the blend of shared memories and playful companionship. This occasion is a reminder of the support, love and camaraderie that siblings offer each other – packed with the goodness of just 6 ingredients – Pista, Almonds, Dates, Cashews, Honey and Ghee. Dates Bites have no added sugar and are a perfect guilt-free indulgence that your sibling will truly appreciate. As you exchange sincere wishes and knot the sacred thread, Date Bites would bring forth an exquisite fusion of flavors that harmonise seamlessly, much like the beautiful connection you share with your sibling. These delicacies not only showcase your affection but also provide a healthier alternative to traditional sweets, making your Raksha Bandhan celebrations both meaningful and delightful.”