Skimmed Milk is a Safe and Healthy Option for Weight Loss and for lowering Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels

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

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 called toned milk, 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 stirring continuously. Thereafter lower the flame and allow milk to simmer on slow fire for 10-15 minutes without stirring. 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 Nandini 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,(500ml) of this skimmed milk/curd is permitted for most people.

The Nandini milk company 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. Amul also has a skimmed milk version. Either of these may be used and curd, lassi, buttermilk, must also be prepared from this 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 once or twice a week provided your weight is normal. Overweight people who need to lose weight should may consume paneer once a week in any one meal, till you reach your ideal weight.