Festivals in India are about family reunions, customs, and a license to indulge in various sweets. Actress Shriya Saran advocates that indulgence in festivals can coexist with health. With a nutritional approach, she often prefers adding nuts, whole grains, and natural sweeteners, among other healthier elements, to conventional desserts.
Saran says that healthy choices do not deprive indulgence; everyone can savor the celebration flavors. She shares her favorite festive desserts that strike a great balance between taste and health, sharing secrets on how one can relish festive sweets without compromising wellness.
“While I love the richness of our traditional sweets, I have become more conscious of my diet, especially during festivals. The idea is to use ingredients that help you nourish while indulging.”After all, festivals are the time when Indian sweets are enjoyed the most. Saran has reinvented some of those classics.
Q: What motivated you to create healthier alternatives to traditional sweets?
A: Through time, I was more conscious of what I consumed, especially when festivals came. I wanted to enjoy sweets without sacrificing my health.
Q: If possible, kindly tell us about your favorite festive dessert.
A: Oh, my all-time favorite is Almond Halwa! It’s comfort food with a load of nutrients. I try to make it healthier by using jaggery instead of refined sugar.
Q: We also know that one of your favorite desserts is Gulab Jamun. How do you make it healthier?
A: I bake the dumplings instead of frying them and use honey instead of sugar syrup. Adding whole wheat flour increases the fiber content and makes it lighter.
Q: What do you love about Ragi Ladoo?
A: Ragi is a superfood rich in calcium and fiber. To boost flavor and nutrition, I sweeten ragi ladoo with jaggery and add coconut and almonds.
Q: How do you enhance the nutritional value of Coconut Barfi?
A: Finely chopped almonds are added, and the refined sugar is replaced with jaggery and coconut sugar. A pinch of saffron and cardamom enhances the flavor!
Q: Any advice for those looking to make healthier festive desserts?
A: My advice is to play with natural sweeteners and nutritious ingredients. There is a world of tasty ways to indulge in sweets without damaging our bodies.
“It’s all about finding the right balance,” she concludes. “By making small adjustments to traditional recipes, we can savor our favorite sweets without compromising our health goals.”
