Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are incomplete without the iconic modak, the traditional sweet dumpling famously loved by Lord Ganesha. Widely enjoyed across India, modaks are a festival favorite, often made with sugar, jaggery, and refined flour. While delicious, these sugary treats can be a challenge for people with diabetes or sensitive gut health, potentially causing blood sugar spikes or digestive discomfort. To ensure the festivities remain joyful yet healthy, nutritionist Deepsikha Jain has shared a specially crafted gut-friendly and diabetes-friendly modak recipe. This innovative version uses natural sweeteners and nutrient-rich ingredients, allowing devotees to enjoy the sweetness of Ganesh Chaturthi without guilt, while maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and supporting overall digestive well-being.
Why choose a gut-friendly and diabetes-friendly modak
Traditional modaks are typically made with refined flour, jaggery, or sugar, which can spike blood sugar levels and cause digestive issues for those with sensitive stomachs. By opting for nutrient-rich alternatives, you can:
- Maintain healthy blood sugar levels during the festival.
- Support gut health through fiber-rich ingredients.
- Enjoy festive sweets guilt-free.
As Deepsikha Jain explains, “Modaks that are good for your gut and blood sugars help you celebrate festivals healthily without going all out. Balance is key.”
Gut-friendly and diabetes-friendly modaks: Key ingredients
To make modaks suitable for diabetics and digestive health, the nutritionist recommends using:
- Dates (Khajoor) – A natural sweetener, rich in dietary fiber to prevent sugar spikes.
- Pumpkin seeds – Packed with magnesium and healthy fats that aid digestion.
- Sunflower seeds – Provide antioxidants and fiber for gut support.
- Almonds – Rich in protein and healthy fats, keeping you full longer.
- Sattu powder – Helps bind ingredients, adds nutrients, and keeps blood sugar stable.
Optional: A small amount of coconut oil for smooth consistency.These ingredients combine natural sweetness, fiber, and healthy fats, making the modaks suitable for people managing diabetes or gut sensitivities.
Making healthy modaks to embrace celebration gut-friendly: Step-by-step recipe
Start by blending dates into a smooth paste. Dates act as a natural sweetener while providing soluble fiber, which is beneficial for blood sugar regulation.Mix in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds. These provide texture, nutrients, and slow-digesting carbohydrates, keeping the modaks low on the glycemic index.
- Incorporate sattu powder:
Add 2 tablespoons of sattu powder to enhance consistency. This helps bind the mixture without adding sugar, making it perfect for diabetics.Add a teaspoon of coconut oil if desired, for smoothness and added healthy fat.Form the mixture into small, traditional modak shapes. This can be done by hand or using molds for a neat finish.
- Serve and enjoy guilt-free:
Your gut-friendly and diabetes-friendly modaks are ready! Relish them during Ganesh Chaturthi without worrying about blood sugar spikes or digestive discomfort.
Healthy modak benefits
- Supports digestive health: Fiber from dates, nuts, and seeds helps maintain a healthy gut.
- Diabetes-friendly: Low glycemic ingredients prevent sudden blood sugar spikes.
- Nutrient-dense: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from seeds and almonds.
- Easy and quick: Simple preparation that doesn’t compromise on taste or tradition.
This gut-friendly and diabetes-friendly modak recipe by Deepsikha Jain makes it possible to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi without compromising health. By using dates, seeds, nuts, and sattu powder, you can enjoy the festival’s sweetest moments guilt-free while staying mindful of your blood sugar and digestive health.Also Read | Dates and pumpkin seeds for better sleep: Nutritionist reveals the magnesium-rich secret for deeper, restful nights
