A soothing soup of onions, potatoes and asparagus fortified with nutritious vegetable stock, the Asparagus Soup has a very creamy feel about it, thanks to being boiled with low-fat milk. Asparagus is a great soup ingredient as it is a low-calorie vegetable with a good amount of fibre, which helps to lower LDL cholesterol, thus protecting the heart. To add to the goodness of this soup, you can use olive oil to sauté the onions, as it is rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, and mono-unsaturated fatty acids that help reduce the risk of heart diseases by lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Here is an interesting and low cal way to truly enjoy and relish your favourite baked dish without compromising on health! I have given this dish a healthy turn by making it with a low cal sauce and low fat paneer… however, ensure you use absolutely fresh paneer to get the desired smooth and creamy texture.
You can use any vegetables of your choice; however, I chose broccoli as it is rich in vitamin C, A and other plant chemicals, which fight the free radicals that can cause damage to body cells. Both broccoli and baby corn are crunchy and blend well with the creamy sauce.
Chocolate and coffee compliment each other well in a dessert. I have used cocoa powder instead of fat-laden chocolate to make chocolate sauce for all you health freak. So relish this fusion once in a while without worrying about gaining extra kilos.
A delicately flavoured stuffing elevates the simple apple to an ambrosial delight!
The benefits of greens mixed in the creamy mixture of cheese and milk provides the perfect dip for creamy crackers…. . A delightful treat for your family and friends. A yummy option for the calorie conscious as well.
Serve the way you want either with khakhras, cream crackers, vegetables etc. Usually there is lots of cheese in this dip, however you cut calories I reduced the cheese and to give the same thickness and texture added cornflour and milk that thickens it. Surely a must try!
Making rabri, the traditional way, is a time-consuming affair as the milk is simmered on a low flame for a long time to thicken and get its desired texture.
I used the quickest way by using corn flour for thickening and lemon juice to get the required grainy texture.
Use readily available rasgullas, squeeze them thoroughly to remove all the sugar syrup.
This easy-to-make, simple porridge prepared from broken wheat, oats and fruits is rich in fibre and b complex vitamins – ideal to keep the metabolism going and lose pregnancy weight. I’ve used low-fat butter and milk to keep the calories down.
The true highlight of this dish is the paste that is made using red chillies, onions and other well-chosen ingredients. You can make it fresh for a better taste; or to save time, you can make it in bulk and deep-freeze to use as and when required.
Healthy ingredients like tofu, mushroom and other veggies enhance this recipe’s health quotient while a basket of creatively-combined ingredients make it a delight for the taste-buds. If you do not like tofu, you can replace it with low fat paneer.
Thai cooking is incomplete without coconut milk but as a matter of fact it is high in fat; I have therefore restricted its use to ½ cup as compared to the original recipe that calls for almost 3 times more. Another key ingredient in
Thai cooking is lemon grass, which can be used liberally without any fear of calories… this is the secret behind the refreshing touch of most Thai recipes.
High in calcium and low in calories, this is a very good ice cream to have for dessert – not to forget the totally unique flavour!
I have made small scoops to restrict its intake… as it is difficult to restrict the consumption of such a superb dish otherwise!
A real low-cal treat for diabetics, this tastes best when made using fresh thandai paste. Store the extra paste for making milkshake or ice cream later. Corn flour gives body to the ice cream, thickening it and making it creamier.
You can also try other ice-creams like
Black Jamun Ice - Cream or
Sugarfree Strawberry Ice-cream .
Popeye the sailor could never do without a dose of spinach. You too can experience the magic of this super ingredient in this dish. It is a sure-shot hit at cocktail parties as well!
Cream crackers are lower in calories and hence good for diabetics – they are infinitely better than biscuits made from refined flour!
Try other
diabetic snacks like
Mixed Sprouts Open Toast or
Caramelised Capsicum Crostini .
Ever heard of a healthy lolly? and that too one that is permissible for diabetics? Here you go… a very interesting and healthy recipe using curds and strawberries.
I have used oats to increase the health quotient, which is further enhanced by the goodness of strawberries. Skimmed milk powder and oats give body to the lollies, while strawberries provide the visual appeal.
Select ripe and sweet fresh strawberries, as it gives a very refreshing taste to the lollies and does not require more sugar substitutes. Plus, I have used all low-fat ingredients.
Do try other
diabetic friendly deaarts like
Black Jamun Ice - Cream or
Diabetic Caramel Custard .
As a fitting end to a feisty dinner, try these soya-charged pancakes, which are made with whole wheat flour and served with strawberry sauce. An ideal combination of all your favorite foods to be enjoyed whole-heartedly by all including diabetics!
Freshly made sauce enhances the classical effect of this dessert, however you can make it in bulk and store in refrigerator. Soya is good for health as it is rich in fibre, phytochemmicals and other nutrients. This is such a neat way to incorporate soya into your diet, isn't it?
Sautéed broccoli combined with soft paneer and marinated in a spicy and flavoursome red pepper sauce, makes a delicious and nutritionally-balanced starter. Remember to serve these hot!
Let us borrow some ideas from japanese cuisine! this healthy version of sushi is loaded with paneer, spinach, carrots, baby corn, capsicum and cucumber. Really a vitamin and mineral rich treat! make sure you roll each spinach leaf carefully so that it doesn’t break.