Calorie Counter: Rasgullas vs Gulab Jamuns

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Gulab Jamuns A plate of 2 (300 calories) (15 gms fat) = Dancing for 50 minutes Gulab Jamuns are usually made of mawa, made from full cream milk, to which maida (plain flour) is added. This mixture is kneaded into dough, made into balls and then deep-fried in ghee or oil. The balls are then soaked in sugar syrup. Some recipes recommend adding milk powder instead of maida, as this can help lower calories. However, not everyone may relish the change in taste. No prizes for guessing that a Gulab Jamun gives you only calories, from fat and simple sugar. Nutritionally, it makes hardly any contribution to your health. So, if you are served some during the festive season, try and eat as few as possible. Also, the less you have of the sugar syrup, the better. Rasgullas A plate of 2 (250 calories) (10 gms fat) = Dancing for 42 minutes Made using paneer (cottage cheese). Paneer made from cow's milk is used here, as it is softer in texture. Cow's milk is lower in fat than buffalo's milk, which is used for Gulab Jamuns. The paneer is to be kneaded well, made into balls and then cooked in sugar syrup. So, there is no frying involved and the sugar syrup used is also much thinner. As a result, it is less concentrated in calories. The bottomline: As you can see, eating Rasgullas (within limits, again) is a better choice compared to Gulab Jamuns. Tips for the festive season If you have been watching your waistline and dread what the festivities will do to it: Exercise regularly as you would on normal days, even if, instead of 45 minutes, you walk only for 30. A little exercise is better than no exercise at all. Drink plenty of water. Don't hoard sweets at home. Instead, give them away as gifts. After all, how many can you eat? If you are buying gifts, think of giving utilitarian or decorative items instead of sweets. Your friends will appreciate both, the gift and the thought. If you are being served dry fruit and sweets, choose the dry fruit. Make visits to relatives and friends short, so you aren't forced to eat what you don't want to. If you haven't found time to exercise, get back to your routine as soon as the festive fever is over.