Pregnancy is a transformative experience, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. For many women nowadays, whether in their twenties or thirties, the journey to conception can be fraught with difficulties. The emotional and physical toll of trying to conceive can be significant, as many encounter issues related to fertility that can lead to stress and anxiety.
Once pregnant, women might hear comments about their weight gain, which can start early on. Even though gaining weight is a normal part of pregnancy, these comments can make them feel self-conscious. Pregnant women also deal with common issues like iron deficiency, which can make them tired, and heartburn, which can be uncomfortable. They may also experience fluctuations in appetite, feeling either extra hungry at times or having a reduced appetite at others. Let’s not forget the sweet cravings!
I remember when I was expecting my first child. As my pregnancy progressed, I found myself overwhelmed by sweet cravings. The allure of rich cakes and sugary treats often tempted me, but I was determined to nourish both myself and my growing baby with healthier options.
One sunny afternoon, while searching through my pantry, I came across a box of Grans Desi Shakkar (jaggery). It sparked an idea. Inspired by memories of my childhood and the benefits of Desi Shakkar, I decided to whip up a batch of healthy desserts using Desi Shakkar and Desi Gurr.
First, I made Gurr and banana energy balls. Mashing ripe bananas, I mixed them with rolled oats, chopped nuts, and a generous amount of melted Grans Desi Gurr. Rolling the mixture into small balls, I felt a surge of satisfaction knowing I was creating something delicious yet wholesome.
Next, I turned to a classic favorite—Gurr Rice Pudding. Cooking rice slowly in milk, I stirred in Grans Desi Gurr, crushed almonds, cardamom, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The warm aroma filled my kitchen, reminding me of family gatherings and the love shared over food. Each bite was sweet but also packed with nutrients. Not only was I satisfying my cravings, but was also nurturing my baby with wholesome ingredients.
I want all soon-to-be moms to enjoy their pregnancy and find ways to satisfy their sweet cravings in healthy and nourishing ways like I did. It’s a special time, and making delicious treats can be a joyful experience. So, I’d like to share some of my favorite recipes that are not only tasty but also packed with benefits for the expecting moms and their little one.
Here are a few simple ideas you can try at home:
1. Special Mint Lemonade
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Grans Desi Shakkar
1 cup water
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Dissolve the Grans Desi Shakkar in 1 cup of water.
In a pitcher, combine the shakkar water, lemon juice, and a handful of mint leaves. Stir well or blend.
Add ice cubes and serve chilled.
Benefits:
Keeps you hydrated, especially in warm weather.
Lemon boosts immunity, aids in digestion, and helps absorb iron.
Grans Desi Shakkar is a good source of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.
The iron content in Grans Desi Shakkar can help prevent anemia by boosting hemoglobin levels.
The aroma of mint may help alleviate morning sickness and nausea, provide a calming effect and boost the mood.
2. Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Northese Chia Seeds
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon Grans Desi Shakkar
Optional: fruits for topping
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix chia seeds, milk, and Grans Desi Shakkar.
Stir well and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until it thickens.
Top with your favorite fruits before serving.
Benefits:
Chia seeds are a good source of essential fatty acids, important for fetal brain development.
Chia seeds may help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is important for managing energy levels and reducing cravings.
Grans Desi Shakkar provides a healthier alternative to refined sugars. It has iron, magnesium and potassium in it.
Chia seeds are packed with essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, calcium, and iron, all of which support both maternal and fetal health.
3. Sweet Nut Energy Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
1/2 cup dates (pitted)
2 tablespoons Grans Desi Shakkar
Instructions:
Blend the nuts and dates in a food processor until they form a sticky mixture.
Add Grans Desi Shakkar and blend again.
Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate.
Benefits:
Nuts contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain development in the baby and help reduce inflammation. They are essential for the growth and development of the baby’s tissues and organs. The fiber in nuts can help alleviate constipation, a common issue during pregnancy, and promote healthy digestion.
Grans Desi Shakkar and nuts help combat anemia, which is important during pregnancy.
Dates in the later stages of pregnancy may help facilitate labor by promoting cervical dilation and reducing the need for induction.
Dates are packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins like B6, which support overall health. Dates contain iron, which is important for increasing hemoglobin levels and preventing anemia.
4. Pumpkin Halwa in Desi Shakkar
Ingredients:
1 cup grated pumpkin
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup Grans Desi Shakkar
1 tablespoon Grans Desi Ghee
A pinch of cardamom powder
Instructions:
In a pan, heat Grans Desi Ghee and add grated pumpkin. Sauté for a few minutes.
Add milk and cook until the pumpkin is soft and the milk reduces.
Stir in Grans Desi Shakkar and cardamom powder. Cook until it thickens.
Benefits:
Pumpkin is high in vitamins A and C, important for both mother and baby. It is low in calories, making it a nutritious addition to the diet without contributing to excessive weight gain.
Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, essential for fetal eye development and maternal health.
Jaggery enhances flavor without the drawbacks of refined sugar and is enriched with iron, magnesium and potassium.
5. Desi Shakkar and Coconut Laddus
Ingredients:
1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
1 cup whole wheat flour (or besan)
1/2 cup Grans Desi Shakkar
2 tablespoons Grans Desi Ghee
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions:
In a pan, heat the ghee and add the whole wheat flour. Roast until it turns golden brown.
Add the grated coconut and mix well. Roast for another few minutes.
Add the Grans Desi Shakkar and stir until it melts and combines with the mixture.
Sprinkle cardamom powder and mix thoroughly.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then shape it into small balls (laddus).
Benefits:
Coconut is rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins (like C and E), and minerals (such as potassium and magnesium). Its high fiber content aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.
Whole Grains provide complex carbohydrates and essential nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. Whole wheat flour adds protein, which is important for fetal growth.
Grans Desi Shakkar contains iron, which can help prevent anemia by boosting hemoglobin levels.
It’s packed with minerals like magnesium and potassium, beneficial for overall health.
Provides a quick source of energy, helping to combat fatigue.
6. Yogurt Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon Grans Desi Shakkar jaggery
A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Blend the banana, yogurt, and Grans Desi Shakkar until smooth.
Add a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
Serve chilled for a refreshing drink.
Benefits:
Bananas are rich in vitamins (especially B6 and C), potassium, and dietary fiber and provide quick energy, helping combat fatigue. Fiber aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.
It’s Calcium and Protein enriched which is essential for the development of the baby’s bones, teeth, growth, and development of the baby.
It Promotes gut health and aids digestion.
Grans Desi Shakkar is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, rich in iron, which helps prevent anemia. It contains magnesium and potassium, beneficial for overall health.
Cinnamon may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health and can soothe the stomach and alleviate nausea.
7. Cucumber Cooler
Ingredients:
1 small cucumber (peeled and chopped)
1 tablespoon Grans Desi Shakkar
1 cup water
A squeeze of lemon juice
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Blend the cucumber, jaggery, and water until smooth.
Strain the mixture into a glass, add lemon juice, and stir.
Serve over ice.
Benefits:
Cucumber helps keep you cool, hydrated, and fresh. It contains vitamins (like vitamin K) and minerals (like potassium), which support overall health.
This drink is great for maintaining fluid balance.
It combines hydrating cucumber with the health benefits of jaggery and lemon, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Grans Desi Shakkar is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, providing a rich flavor. It helps boost hemoglobin levels, which can prevent anemia during pregnancy, and contains minerals like magnesium and potassium.
The combination of cucumber and lemon can aid digestion and help alleviate nausea.
These delightful recipes satisfy your sweet cravings while boosting your mood, offering refreshment, and providing essential nutrients that are beneficial for your pregnancy.
Enjoy!
