Craving something sweet? Harvard-trained Dr Saurabh Sethi shares a healthy dessert alternative which is gut-friendly and packed with protein and fiber

Who doesn’t love a little bit of dessert after their meals but it is not healthy or advisable to eat those sugary chocolates on an everyday basis. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, shared a recipe for date chia seed pudding on his Instagram page.

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A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)

Ingredients for Date and Chia Seed Pudding

To prepare date and chia seed pudding, you will need:

• 4 large dates
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• ⅔ cup Greek yoghurt or curd (dahi)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ⅓ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• A handful of fresh blueberries

How to prepare chia seed pudding

• Soak the dates in water for some time, remove the seeds, and transfer them to a blender.
• Add peanut butter, Greek yoghurt or regular curd, chia seeds, cinnamon powder, and milk to the blender.
• Blend all the ingredients together until you get a smooth mixture.
• Pour the mixture into a container and refrigerate it overnight.
• Top it with fresh blueberries before serving.

Why Is Date and Chia Pudding Healthier Than Regular Desserts?

• Date and chia pudding is considered a healthier alternative to traditional desserts because it uses natural sweeteners and nutrient-rich ingredients instead of refined sugar and processed ingredients.
• Naturally sweetened with dates: Dates provide sweetness along with fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a better option than desserts loaded with refined sugar.
• Rich in fibre: Chia seeds and dates are high in dietary fibre, which supports digestion, promotes fullness, and may help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
• Good source of healthy fats: Chia seeds and peanut butter contain healthy fats that support overall health and provide longer-lasting energy.
• High in protein: Greek yoghurt adds protein, which helps with muscle repair, satiety, and keeping you fuller for longer.
• Packed with nutrients: Ingredients like chia seeds, yoghurt, cinnamon, and blueberries provide essential nutrients, including calcium, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds.