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10 Sugar-Free Sweets to Enjoy a Guilt-Free Diwali

The time is right to have a party. No holiday gathering would be complete without an abundance of sweets. After a month, we no longer take pride in our waistlines! Processed foods are frequently consumed during the holiday season for meals, snacks, and in-between meals. All nice things have costs.

4 min read · Updated 2023-06-15

Hand-drawn line illustration of a bowl of food, a blood drop and test strip and a stethoscope for the guide "10 Sugar-Free Sweets to Have a Guilt-free Diwali"

Here are 10 sugar-free sweets to indulge in this Diwali guilt-free

1. Dates Ladoo: Dates ladoo is the best option for a sugar-free sweet. For this quick sweet recipe, you just need ghee, dates, and fruits. This ladoo contains rich nutrients like vitamins, protein, magnesium, and more.

2. Kaju Katli: Kaju Katli is a famous Indian sweet made with cashew nuts and sugar. This sugar-free version uses honey and dried fruits, making it a healthier option. Kaju Katli is rich in vitamins and minerals and is a good energy source.

3. Gajar Ka Halwa: Gajar ka halwa is a healthy dessert that plays an important role on special occasions. It can be prepared using carrots and milk. The natural sweetness of the carrot will satisfy your sweet tooth, if you want, you can add jaggery or honey.

4. Gulab Jamun Cheesecake: This fusion dessert combines the classic Indian sweet of Gulab Jamun with the rich and creamy texture of cheesecake. The result is an indulgent treat that is completely sugar-free. Gulab Jamun Cheesecake is a good source of protein and calcium and is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

5. Gulab Jamun: These soft, melt-in-your-mouth balls made with khoya and soaked in sugar-free syrup are delicious to enjoy Gulab Jamun without guilt. Gulab Jamun is a traditional Indian sweet, and it is prepared using milk solids, flour, and ghee. You can make its sugar-free version using jaggery syrup instead, making it a healthier option.

6. Chocolate: Sugar-free chocolate is the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth without the guilt. Made with sugar-free chocolate chips and sweetened with Splenda, these sugar-free chocolate bars are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional chocolate.

7. Mysore Pak: Mysore Pak is a traditional South Indian sweet made with besan flour, ghee, and sugar. This sugar-free version uses jaggery and honey, making it a healthier option. Mysore Pak is a good source of protein and fibre and is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

8. Ladoo: These bite-sized balls made with healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour, nuts, and seeds are held together with sugar-free jaggery syrup. Ladoo is made with flour, ghee, and sugar. The sugar-free version uses jaggery syrup instead.

9. Coconut Barfi: Coconut barfi is one of the favourite desserts of all Indians. This delicious dessert is made of desiccated coconut, cardamom, and dry fruits. As this is made up of fruits, you don’t have to add any sweetener.

10. Jalebi: Jalebi is a famous Indian sweet made by deep frying maida flour batter in circular shapes. Then it is soaked in sugar syrup. The sugar-free version uses jaggery syrup instead, making it a healthier option. Jalebi is a good source of iron and is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Conclusion

During Diwali, people gather with their loved ones to eat delectable meals. Try to stay away from sugary treats and choose sugar-free substitutes or snacks rich in wholesome proteins and fats. Lastly, Diwali is a holiday to enjoy, so be sure to unwind and spend time with your loved ones.

Hand-drawn line illustration of a suitcase, a bowl of food and a blood drop and test strip, for the section "Conclusion" of 10 Sugar-Free Sweets to Have a Guilt-free Diwali
Illustration: Conclusion

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FAQs

How can I eat sweets guilt-free?

Choose sweets that are lower in sugar and calories, and savour them slowly.

What are sugar-free sweets?

There are many sugar-free sweets available on the market today. These sweets are made with artificial sweeteners and are often lower in calories than their sugary counterparts.

What are sugar-free items?

Sugar-free items are foods and drinks that do not contain any sugar.

Are sugar-free sweets safe?

Yes, sugar-free sweets are safe to consume. However, when consuming large amounts of sugar-free desserts, some people may experience mild side effects, such as headaches, diarrhoea, or constipation.

Is sugar-free worse than sugar?

No, sugar-free is not worse than sugar. Sugar-free products often have fewer calories than products that contain sugar.

Read more:

Unique Ideas to Light up Your Home with these DIY Décor Ideas this Diwali

12 Super Comfy Diwali Outfits for Elders – Time to Make a Statemen

How to Celebrate a Risk-Free Diwali with Elders

Enjoy festivals safely with diabetes

1. Check sugar before and after a festive meal, as the doctor advises. 2. Keep portions small: one piece, eaten slowly after a meal, not alone on an empty stomach. 3. Read labels: "sugar-free" can still contain flour, ghee, dry fruit and sugar alcohols that raise blood sugar or upset the stomach. 4. Prefer nut-, seed- or paneer-based treats over syrup-based ones. 5. Stay active: a walk after the meal. 6. Do not skip medicines or meals to make room for sweets. 7. Know low-sugar signs if you take insulin or tablets; see diabetes and low sugar emergencies.

See nutrition for diabetes after 60.

When to ask a professional

Ask the doctor or a dietician about festival eating, especially if sugar is high or you use insulin.

Frequently asked questions

Can diabetics eat sugar-free sweets?

In small amounts, yes, but they still contain calories and carbohydrate.

Are sugar substitutes safe?

Many are fine in moderation. Large amounts of some can cause diarrhoea.

What if blood sugar rises after a feast?

Walk, drink water, and call your doctor if it stays high or you feel unwell.

How do I handle family pressure?

Take a small portion and explain your health needs.

Sources and further reading

  • American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes
  • Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Nutrition, Dietary Guidelines for Indians
  • International Diabetes Federation, nutrition resources

Tags: CelebrationDiwaliHealthy DessertsQuick Sweet RecipesSugar-free sweetsdiabetesfestival foodGut health and nutritionHealth monitoring devicesHealthy ageing

Written by the Emoha editorial team. General information only.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.

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