Diwali celebrations are incomplete without mithai, and for children, resisting their favourite sweets is easier said than done. From ladoos and chocolate treats to kheer and shrikhand, festive delicacies are often loaded with refined sugar and calorie-dense ingredients.

This can leave parents wondering how to make festive treats healthier without taking away the joy of celebrations.According to Sakshi Lalwani, Clinical Nutritionist, Expert – SunBridge Consumers, making sweets healthier does not mean compromising on taste or eliminating children's favourite treats. A few thoughtful ingredient swaps can make traditional Diwali sweets more nutritious while keeping them delicious.Here are five simple mithai alternatives parents can try this festive season.

1. REPLACE SUGAR-LOADED LADOOS WITH DATES AND NUTSLadoos are a Diwali staple, but many store-bought varieties contain generous amounts of refined sugar.

Instead of skipping them altogether, try preparing homemade ladoos using dates for natural sweetness. Blend dates with roasted almonds, walnuts, pistachios and a handful of seeds, then roll the mixture into bite-sized ladoos.

Dates provide fibre and minerals, while nuts and seeds contribute healthy fats and some protein.2. SWAP SUGARY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES FOR HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE ENERGY BALLSChocolate treats are an instant favourite among children, but store-bought truffles and chocolate balls can contain considerable amounts of added sugar and fats.

This Diwali, try preparing homemade chocolate energy balls using dates, oats, finely crushed nuts and milk. For a rich chocolatey flavour, one can use AlphaKid Nutraceutical Milk Mix, which comes in a chocolate flavour and contains wheat, barley, ragi, bajra, jowar, jaggery and ghee.

Simply blend the ingredients into a soft mixture, adding milk gradually to achieve the desired consistency. Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate until firm.

Dates provide natural sweetness, while oats and nuts contribute fibre, protein and healthy fats.3. MAKE TRADITIONAL MALPUAS LIGHTER WITH BANANA AND WHOLE WHEATWho can resist warm, soft malpuas during festive celebrations?

However, traditional versions are often made with refined flour and generously soaked in sugar syrup. For a more balanced alternative, prepare the batter using whole-wheat flour, mashed bananas, milk and cardamom.

Bananas add natural sweetness, reducing the need for additional sugar, while whole-wheat flour contributes fibre.4. REPLACE CONDENSED MILK KHEER WITH MAKHANA AND MILK KHEERA bowl of creamy kheer is a festive favourite, but versions prepared with condensed milk can contain considerable amounts of added sugar.

Instead, roast makhana until crisp, lightly crush it and simmer it in milk with cardamom, saffron and chopped nuts. Makhana adds texture, while milk contributes protein and calcium.5.

SWAP CREAM-HEAVY SHRIKHAND FOR FRUIT AND GREEK YOGHURT SHRIKHANDCreamy, sweet and full of flavour, shrikhand is another festive treat children enjoy. For a lighter homemade alternative, combine thick, unsweetened Greek yoghurt with fresh mango, strawberry or another fruit puree of your choice.

Add a pinch of saffron, cardamom and finely chopped pistachios for extra flavour. Greek yoghurt provides protein and calcium, while fruits contribute natural sweetness and additional nutrients.HOW TO MAKE DIWALI SWEETS HEALTHIER WITHOUT LOSING THE FESTIVE JOYMaking Diwali sweets more nutritious does not mean eliminating sugar entirely or saying no to every festive indulgence.

It is about choosing ingredients thoughtfully, experimenting with familiar recipes and keeping portions appropriate for children.Parents can start with one or two simple swaps this festive season and gradually introduce children to different ingredients and flavours. Allowing little ones to participate in preparing these treats can also make them more interested in trying healthier alternatives.After all, Diwali is about celebrating together, and good food should always be part of the joy.- Ends