Enjoy right kind of sweets during Diwali

JAIPUR: With Diwali festivities round the corner, the fragrance of sweets and delicacies are already in air. However, doctors and dieticians are advising against overeating and suggesting healthy alternatives of sweets. They also suggested a strict exercise regime for those who are vulnerable to heart disease or have diabetes.
Craving for sweets could be irresistible but the after-effects of it in form of weight gains and high sugar intake can be disastrous. "The most common problem that happens after Diwali is sudden increase in weight. This happens because of bingeing on sweets and calorie rich food. People also tend to withdraw from their exercise regime during festivities," said Anjali Phatak, a consultant dietician at Fortis Healthcare.
But there are alternatives to enjoy the festivals without the fear of getting heavier or getting diabetic. Dieticians and doctors suggest that the urge for sweets can be assuaged with healthier, low calorie alternatives like fruit yoghurts, dry fruits and dark chocolate. "One can choose healthier alternatives like dates, bitter chocolates or nuts. Mathri, which is widely cooked during Diwali, can be nutritious if cooked in multi-grain," Phatak added.
A little effort to ensure that buying and gifting the right kind of sweets will also be very helpful for people to keep themselves healthy. With an assortment of sweets spread out before them, even the most health conscious people end up gorging on them during Diwali. "Sweets all around during Diwali compel anybody to binge on it. The best thing is not to store any sweet at home. Instead one can distribute it to those who need them more," said Dr Manju Sharma, a private practitioner.
Every year, adulterated sweets flooding Jaipur markets to meet the huge demand are adding to the woes. Doctors advise that it is better to make sweets at home. "Artificial colours, which can be toxic, as well as adulterated milk and other ingredients are widely used. We always suggest that making sweets at home is safer. At least you can pick the ingredients yourself," added Dr Rajendra Sharma of Tongia Hospital.