Jaipur, March 10, 2025.
The festival of colours ‘Holi’ is around the corner and the people have geared up for its celebration. One of the India’s beloved drink which is an inseparable part of our festival celebrations is Thandai.
This traditional milk-based festive beverage marks the Holi complete. However, many health-conscious celebrants hesitate to consume it, sticking to their wellness goals. But who says you can’t have it in a healthier way.
- For adding protein to your thandai, mix 2 teaspoons each of almond and walnut flour (finely ground) into 150ml milk, this will give 3 grams of protein value.
- According to USDA Food Data Central, 100 grams of almond flour contains 12 grams of protein and 100 grams of walnut flour contains approximately 20 grams of protein.
- Add 2 teaspoons each of almond and walnut flour to 150ml thandai for a 3g protein boost.
- The almond flour contributes 0.84g protein while walnut flour adds 2g protein, making it a simple yet nutritious festive drink.
- If you do want to use regular milk, you can try unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk for thandai.
- Avoid sugar completely in favour of natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract to keep blood glucose levels in check.
- You can add dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds which have a low glycemic index protein without affecting blood sugar levels significantly.
- Include metabolism-boosting spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel seeds generously, as they not only enhance flavour but also help regulate blood sugar levels naturally.
- Add a pinch of turmeric and black pepper to your thandai mix, as this combination has proven benefits in managing diabetes and reducing inflammation while maintaining the traditional taste profile.
