The season of all things sweet is here! Whether you are celebrating a spooky Halloween or indulging in the Diwali festivities – sweet treats are your constant companion these days. As fun and frolicky and exciting it may sound, these sweet-treat-laden celebrations are bound to leave a denting effect on your health. Added sugar doesn’t do much but harms you in a way that leads to conditions like tooth decay, obesity, fatty liver, even heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Although there are foods that are outright unhealthy for your overall health when over-consumed, some sweet-treats are relatively less harmful when the intake is regulated.
Halloween Candies:
From candy corn, sour candy, and sticky candies to jelly beans and gummy bears, Halloween is the holiday rich in sweet treats. These treats, although are quite popular amongst kids as well as adults, are quite tricky for oral and overall health. Since these treats are laden with added sugar, overconsumption of these often leads to developing conditions like tooth decay, fatty liver, and obesity. Not only that but also one might develop heart disease due to excessive weight gain and lead to type 2 diabetes too. However, Halloween treats like pumpkin pie baked oatmeal candies, dark chocolate nutty candies, carrot candies, and apple gummies are healthier alternatives to indulge in this holiday season.
Diwali Mithai:
Diwali is one of the most popular Indian festivals that has made its way to the global platform and become a cosmopolitan festival over time. People all over the world nowadays take part in the festival of lights and indulge in sharing happiness through various kinds of sweets. Along with Diwali, Indian Mithai has made its way to the hearts of the global population. As per nutritionists, they are way healthier than their contemporary Halloween candies.
While Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, Kaju Katli, Laddos, and Halwas are the signature Indian mithai to celebrate Diwali with, it’s always possible to take a healthier approach to make Diwali special delicacies without compromising on the fun quotient of enjoying them.
Besan laddo: Made from Besan, these laddos are rich in protein, fibre, and minerals. While Ghee is a good source of healthy fats, using jaggery instead of sugar enhances the nutrition profile of the sweet treats.
Dates and nuts laddo: Instead of making laddos with sugary components, laddos made of dates and nuts are rich in protein, iron, healthy fats, and minerals.
Kheer: Kheer made of almond milk, soya milk, or low-fat milk, with makhna which is rich in protein, fibre, and antioxidants but low in calories – is a perfect and healthy option to indulge in. Using jaggery instead of sugar, and garnishing with chia seeds takes it a notch higher.
Gajar ka halwa: Gajar ka halwa is a perfect example of health and taste. Make it with less ghee and sugar, and more nuts and jaggery and it can boost the health quotient while elevating the taste of the same.
Coconut barfi: Made from fresh coconut, and jaggery and garnished with almonds and pistachio, coconut barfis are a superhit choice for a Diwali party that boosts your tastebuds without harming your health.
Both Halloween treats and Diwali mithai can be made healthier if prepared at home by adding fibre-rich nuts and seeds, fruits, dates, healthy fats and whole-grain options.
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