Healthy Makeovers

Of Classic Indian Sweets

Quick Summary

Indian festivals are synonymous with sweets; be it laddos, gulab jamuns, kheer or barfis! But these sweets are also loaded with sugar, calories, and fats. This article looks at ways the classic Indian sweets can be given a makeover, which makes them healthier but also keeps the essence of festivities alive! From gulab jamun to ladoos, to barfis, learn how these classics and be healthy too. Dive deeper to know more. 

Deep Dive

Sweets are often the most important part of Indian festivities, from eating to offering to the deities; there certainly is no getting away from sweets. From modaks during Ganesh Chaturthi to Gujia during Holi, sweets in India define the festivals. However, these sweets are loaded with sugar, calories and fats, which are not only unhealthy for people who are diabetic, but also in general for health. But the fever of healthy eating is on the rise in India. Not only are people replacing the unhealthy ingredients with healthy ones, but also creating new sweets that do not have any sugary or fatty substances yet give the same taste! 

The healthier versions of sweets not only lessen the calories and sugar intake but also add nutritional value to the sweet dish, which is otherwise missing in the OG one. This article looks at how traditional Indian sweets can be made healthier with some creativity and by replacing certain steps! These makeovers will ensure that the sweets are not only edible for grandparents who are diabetic but also for fitness enthusiasts who can taste the sweetness of Indian desserts without cheating. 

Laddoos Get A Makeover

Besan laddoos are the OG sweet dish in India during festivals. It is offered in prashad as well as consumed as a dessert. But laddoos are often loaded with sugar and fats. However, you can replace the fats and calories with some healthy substitutes that would not only reduce your calorie count but also add nutrition to your festive spread. Replace besan or boondi, or motichoor, with rolled oats, nuts, and seeds, and sugar with jaggery. Oats, nuts and seeds have fibre, whereas jaggery adds natural sweetness and has minerals as opposed to refined sugar. You can also replace jaggery entirely with dates, if you are fine with a little less sweetness. These laddoos will be healthy and not make you think twice before picking the second one!