Shubh Diwali: Low-calorie Dishes For Diwali

Diwali is not to shut down your cravings; there is always a healthy substitute!

Diwali is approaching, and everyone is in a festive mood. The excitement is palpable, from cleaning our homes and adding new decorations to spending time with family and friends at Diwali parties. But the centre of attraction at this time is food. While many mouth-watering options can be made and consumed at home, these foods may interfere with your weight-loss diet. So, if you are worried about the same thing, do not worry because we have some low-calorie Diwali snacks that will be a hit on your menu! So you can munch on them with no regrets later.

We now know that baked and fried snacks have different flavours, but the recipes we share today will tantalise your taste buds and leave your guests demanding more.

Scroll down to look at these absolutely amazing low-calorie diet plans you can follow.

Tips To Follow A Low-Calorie Diet During Festivals 

A low-calorie diet is good for your health, but make sure you do not lose too many pounds or become deficient. Adapt the attitude of guilt-free eating this Diwali.

Following a low-calorie diet needs analysis of your calorie requirements and nutritional need; keep the below-mentioned tips in mind before adopting a low-calorie diet- 

1. The first step should be to determine how many calories you consume daily and gradually reduce 100-200 calories to reach your goal.

2. You must carefully consider the portion and serving size of the food. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups. Remember that drinks also contain calories, so include them in your total.

3. To avoid cravings, eat more nutrient-dense foods like lean protein while reducing your calorie intake. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables to get an extra dose of fibre that will keep you fuller for longer.

4. A low-calorie diet does not have to be all business. You can occasionally include treats like dark chocolate or red wine, which are high in antioxidants.

5. Maintain a constant level of hydration. People frequently confuse thirst with hunger. Both cues originate in the same part of the brain. They can confuse, resulting in unwanted cravings or dissatisfaction even after eating.

6. Make a meal plan in advance. Eat slowly and thoroughly. This will aid in increasing levels of satisfaction and reducing overeating

Low-Calorie Foods Recipes

You can enjoy delicious recipes for Diwali while maintaining a healthy diet. 

Toneop brings you some delicious recipes for this Diwali, so you do not get distracted from the goal of staying healthy. 

1. Baked Ragi Chakli 

Chakli or Murukku is a popular teatime snack in South Indian households. It is simple to make and impossible to resist! Murukku is derived from the Tamil word "twisted," referring to the shape of this salty, savoury snack. This baked chakli recipe uses nutritious ragi flour, making it a healthier alternative to fried chakli made with regular flour; you can easily replace this unhealthy junk with this delicacy.

Ingredients

• Ragi flour- 1 bowl 
• Besan flour- 1 cup 
• Ginger- 1 inch 
• Chilli- 1 tsp
• Garlic paste- ½ tsp 
• Salt- 1 tsp 
• Oil- 1 tbsp 

Preparation Method

1. Combine all the dry ingredients and knead them together. Next, mix the oil and knead with water. 

2. Make it into a semi-soft dough while dividing it into two equal-sized pieces. 

3. Place half of the dough in the Chakli machine. 

4. Make roundels out of the dough and place the chakli in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The temperature should be around 360°F. 

5. Repeat the process with the other half. In the end, allow cooling before using the Chakli whirls.

2. Khakhra Canapes 

Khakhra is yummy to see and delicious to eat.

Crispy khakhra is seasoned with a spicy chaat concoction, ready in a flash and devoured in a moment.

Ingredients

• Khakra mini crisps- 12-16 pieces
• Medium potato- 1, boiled and peeled
• Medium onion- 1 finely chopped 
• Salt- As per taste
• Roasted cumin powder- 1 tsp
• Chaat masala- 1 tsp
• Boiled corn kernels- ¼ cup
• Mint chutney- 2 tbsp
• Tamarind chutney- 2 tbsp
• Lemon juice- ½ lemon
• Julienned mixed bell peppers- for topping
• For the garnishing- Yoghurt, fresh coriander, chilli powder, fine sev

Preparation Method

1. Cut the potatoes and place them in a bowl. 

2. Mix in the onion, salt, cumin powder, red chilli powder, and chaat masala. 

3. Mix in the corn kernels. 

4. Combine mint and tamarind chutneys and mix well. 

5. Add the coriander sprigs and lemon juice, finely chopped. 

6. Serve khakhra crisps on a platter. 

7. Top with chaat masala and garnish with yoghurt, mint chutney, tamarind chutney, and sev. 

8. Sprinkle red chilli powder and garnish with pepper julienne. 

9.Serve right away.

3. Healthy Kaju katli

Kaju katli is a famous Indian sweet that remains a safe “gift option” for many. However, instead of giving store-bought Kaju katli to your relatives, become the best of your loved ones by offering them healthy sweets this Diwali. Honey is the secret ingredient you must use to make a healthier version of this sweet. In this recipe, replace the sugar with honey.

Ingredients

• Cashew nuts- 2 cups   
• Honey- 1 cup  
• Water- 1 cup 

Preparation Method

1. Dry roast the cashew nuts for about 5 minutes in a skillet or frying pan. Keep stirring to prevent them from burning.

2. When you notice a slight change in the colour of the cashew nuts, remove them from the heat and place them on a plate to cool at room temperature.

3. Transfer the roasted cashew nuts to a food processor and process until they are coarse powder.

4. Heat a nonstick pan with water and honey. Heat it until it bubbles.

5. Stir the roasted cashew powder with a spatula until well combined. Turn off the heat once the blend has thickened.

6. Place a large tray on the kitchen counter with parchment paper, dump the entire cashew mixture, and flatten it with a rolling pin.

7. Refrigerate the tray for at least an hour. Place silver foil on the flattened mixture once it has become firm.

8. Cut it into diamond shapes, and your nutritious kaju katli is ready to serve.

4. Dry fruits laddoo

If you enjoy eating dry fruits, you will enjoy eating dry fruit laddoo. These laddoo are healthier than those soaked in ghee and sugar. So, if you are looking for a sugar-free Diwali sweet recipe, try these dry fruit laddoo.

Ingredients

• Chopped dates- 1 cup 
• Sliced almonds- ¼ cup 
• Cashew nuts- ¼ cup
• Figs- ¼ cup
• Pistachios- ¼ cup
• Raisins- ¼ cup
• Coconut- 1 tbsp
• Cardamom powder- ½ tsp
• Ghee- 1 tbsp

Preparation Method

1. Blend the dates for 4-5 minutes in a blender and set aside.

2. Finely chop the cashews, almonds, figs, pistachios, and raisins.

3. In a wok, heat the ghee over low heat, add the chopped dry fruits and saute for 4-5 minutes.

4. Add the coarsely blended dates to the above mixture and thoroughly combine, mashing the dates.

5. Mix in the cardamom powder thoroughly.

6. Turn off the heat and set aside for 2 minutes to cool.

7. Make the laddoo in a large dish with the mixture.

8 .They should be kept in an airtight container.

5. Healthy Poha chivda

This quick Diwali chivda is inspired by what my Maharashtrian friends make at home. While poha is typically deeply fried to achieve the desired crispness, roasting in a pan gives the same result as frying. So give this nutritious chivda a try!

Ingredients

• Poha thin chivda- 4 cups 
• Ghee- 2 tbsp 
• Mustard seeds- 1 tsp 
• Cumin seeds- 1 tsp 
• Curry leaf- 2 to 3 sprig
• Dried red chillies- 4 to 5 stalk
• Asafoetida- ¼  tsp
• Raw peanuts- ½ cup 
• Sugar- 1 tablespoon  
• Salt- ⅕ tsp 
• Cashews- ¼ cup  
• Raisins (optional)- ¼ cup
• Red chilli powder- 1 tsp 
• Turmeric powder- 1 tsp 

Preparation Method

1. In a large pan, heat the oil. Roast the poha for 8-10 minutes on a low flame until lightly golden. Place the poha in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

2. Heat the ghee in a medium-sized kadhai or pan.

3. Mix the mustard and cumin seeds. When they begin to sputter, add the curry leaves, red chillies, asafoetida, and peanuts. Stir for 5-6 minutes on medium heat or until the peanuts turn golden brown.

4. Combine the salt, sugar, and cashews.

5. Stir for about 1 minute, until the cashew nuts are golden. Then add the raisins and stir for a few seconds or until they puff up.

6. Remove from the heat after adding the red chilli powder and turmeric powder.

7. Add this tempering to the roasted poha immediately and thoroughly combine.

8. Keep it in an airtight container.

Pass on these recipes and make someone’s Diwali healthy!

Diwali is an annual festival, and you cannot enjoy it if you do not prepare unique healthy dishes for the occasion. 

You do not have to worry about indulging in food preparation for the event if you follow a healthy daily routine. However, please do not overdo it; you may experience bloating and acidity the next day. 

In the case of sweets, choose those that are homemade and made especially for the festival season.

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