Skimmed Milk as an Option for those who are Weight Conscious and Health Conscious

Do milk packets like Nandini, Nilgiri and others contain fat or not? How frequently is it advisable to consume paneer for a 20-year-old boy?

Most milk packets contain fat. Usually there are two types Whole milk, which contains the whole normal fat that is present in cow’s milk (6%). The second type contains 3% fat. And now some companies also supply double toned milk which has 1.5% fat. Some companies supply skimmed milk, which contains less than 1% fat. Normally it is advisable to use less than 3% fat milk but after removing as much fat as possible by the following method called ‘skimming’. Heat milk on fire and bring to boil, do not switch off the fire but lower the flame and allow milk to simmer on slow fire for 10-15 minutes. Cool, refrigerate and remove the cream after 5-6 hours. Use yesterday’s milk for this morning’s coffee. All those on a weight reduction diet and those who have cholesterol, triglyceride or diabetes problems must use milk that has been skimmed as mentioned above.

However, during weight reduction and till cholesterol and sugar levels are brought down, the ideal thing would be to use skimmed milk powder, like Sagar or Anik spray or packed skimmed milk that has only 0.5% fat. To use skimmed milk powder mix 2 heaped or full tablespoons of powder in 1 glass (200 ml) of warm water. Curd made from this is very enjoyable and so is buttermilk or lassi and it is safe for consumption whenever hungry. While on a diet 2-3 glasses of this milk is permitted for most people. Today Nandini skimmed milk powder and Nilgiri skimmed milk powder are also available.

Besides these Nandini has introduced Good life SLIM, skimmed milk in a liquid form, ready to use from a sachet. Also Nestle offers Nestle SLIM in a tetra pack in the liquid form. Either of these may be used and curd, lassi, buttermilk, must also be prepared from the skimmed milk.

Paneer bought from a store is usually made from whole milk and therefore quite high in its fat content. I would say consuming this for a young man should be limited to twice a week provided your weight is normal. Overweight people who need to lose weight should avoid paneer till you reach your ideal weight.

Those who are pure vegetarians and overweight, may use it once a week in one meal.