Diwali is a festival of joy, lights, and indulgence, and sweets play an essential role on the festivities. But for those managing diabetes, celebrating with sweets can be tricky. However, there are many Diabetic Friendly Diwali Sweets that allow you to enjoy the festive spirit while keeping your blood sugar levels in check. Further, these sweets are made with natural ingredients that provide a healthier alternative to traditional recipes. Let’s explore some delicious recipes, along with their benefits and portion control tips to help you celebrate a healthy and responsible Diwali.
1. Sesame Seed Laddoo
This simple and nutritious laddoo is packed with the goodness of sesame seeds, peanuts, and dates. It’s rich in healthy fats, calcium, and fiber, making it a perfect diabetic friendly treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sesame seeds
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- ½ cup roasted dry coconut
- 1 ½ cups dates (chopped and deseeded)
Method
- Roast sesame seeds, peanuts, and coconut separately until it turns golden.
- Grind each ingredient into a coarse powder.
- Blend all powders with the chopped dates in a food processor until a sticky dough forms.
- Roll into small laddoos.
2. Dry Fruits and Nuts Laddoo
This laddoo is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with almonds, cashews, pistachios, and seeds. Sweetened naturally with dates and figs, it provides energy and essential nutrients without spiking blood sugar levels.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds (chopped)
- ½ cup cashews (chopped)
- ¼ cup pistachios (chopped)
- ½ cup raisins
- 6 dried figs (chopped)
- 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 3 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 cup grated dry coconut
- 350g dates (pitted)
Method
- Roast all nuts and seeds in a pan until crunchy.
- In a separate pan, heat dates until soft and mash them into a paste.
- Combine the roasted ingredients with the date paste and mix well.
- Form into laddoos and let them cool.
3. Cinnamon Roasted Pears
This light and flavorful dessert is perfect for a diabetic friendly Diwali. Pears, roasted with cinnamon and walnuts, make a sweet and healthy treat that is low in calories and sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 medium Anjou pears (peeled and halved)
- 1 tbsp margarine or ghee
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp low calorie brown sugar substitute
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix margarine, cinnamon, and sugar substitute with walnuts.
- Arrange pears in a baking dish and fill the center with the walnut mixture.
- Bake for 45 minutes until the pears are tender.
4. Banana Chia Pudding
A creamy, naturally sweetened dessert, this chia pudding is packed with fiber and omega3s. It’s a great option for a light, diabetic friendly dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups vanilla flavored flax milk
- 1 large banana (chopped)
- 7 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the chia seeds to thicken the mixture.
- Serve chilled.
5. Malai Peda
A classic Indian sweet with a diabetic friendly twist, this malai peda uses a blend of full fat and low-fat milk and a sugar substitute to retain its rich flavor without the excess sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups full fat milk
- 2 ½ cups low fat milk
- 1+1 tsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp low fat milk
- ¼ tsp saffron strands
- 1 ¼ tsp sugar substitute
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
Method
- Boil milk until reduced to half, stirring occasionally.
- Add saffron and a cornflour mixture to thicken.
- Add cardamom powder and sugar substitute. Shape into pedas once cooled.
Benefits of Diabetic Friendly Sweets
These sweets offer numerous health benefits such as,
- They are naturally sweetened with dates, figs, and raisins, which have a lower glycaemic index compared to refined sugars.
- The nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber, promoting heart health and better digestion.
- These treats are nutrient dense, meaning they provide essential vitamins and minerals while helping you manage blood sugar levels.
Portion Control Tips
To enjoy these sweets in moderation:
- Stick to one small piece at a time to keep blood sugar levels stable.
- Eat slowly and savour each bite to feel satisfied with smaller portions.
- Include them in a balanced diet that accounts for the carbohydrate content of your meals.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels after consuming sweets to understand how they affect you.
To Sum-up
So, enjoy the festive season with these diabetic friendly Diwali sweets that offer both taste and health benefits. Additionally, by choosing natural ingredients and practicing portion control, you can indulge in these treats without compromising your health. Thus, Dr. A. S. Senthilvelu at the Erode Diabetes Foundation encourages everyone to make smart, mindful choices during Diwali and beyond, supporting a healthier lifestyle for all. Celebrate a Healthy Diwali with care and joy!
