Khari biscuits (Small, 2 in number)

200 calories (15 grams fat)  = Mopping floors for 40 minutes

This is for all those who believe that Khari is a low fat biscuit, probably due to its lightweight and wafer thin appearance. Here's dispelling the myth -- Khari is one of the most fattening varieties of biscuits. You surely don't know what goes into giving you that crisp flaky crumbly texture.

The main ingredients of Khari are maida (refined flour), vanaspati (hydrogenated vegetable fat) and salt. The difference between this and other biscuits is that each layer of the biscuit has a thick coat of vanaspati on it, making it not just fattening but also not-so-healthy for the heart, thanks to the saturated fat.

Some stores do stock 'diet khari'. However, always keep in mind that the crisp, flaky texture of the biscuit is possible only because of the fat. So, it is not possible to make the 'diet' variety without altering the end product unfavourably.

Marie biscuits (2 in number)

56 calories (1 gram fat) = Mopping floors for 12 minutes

Marie is one variety of biscuits that is highly recommended by dieticians. It is a good snacking choice for calorie-conscious dieters. However, stick to eating just one or two at a time, up to a maximum of three to four in a day. Don't go overboard just because it is low in calories.

Having a biscuit or two at tea-time is a good way to delay hunger for the next one or two hours. In fact, it is a great idea to have a packet in your bag at all times so that you are not stranded without food, especially for people who are on the move.

Several varieties of Marie are available these days, such as those fortified with nutrients or added fibre, and are a good snacking choice.

Health tips

• If you are watching your calorie intake, don't hoard high-calorie biscuits at home, such as Good Day, cream biscuits or cookies.
• If you can't think of other snacks to offer guests, serve them innovative things like chopped fruits sprinkled with a little chaat masala or tomato juice with a twist of lime.
• If you have long gaps in between your meals due to work, having a low-calorie biscuit during breaks is a good way to prevent acidity.
• Other safe dieting choices -- digestive biscuits, wheat rusk and milk toast.

The author is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist. She runs Size Wise, a training studio, and also conducts fitness workshops. Besides training with the International Sports Science Association, USA, she has a PG Diploma in nutrition and food technology and writes for a number of publications. 

Do you have any recipes for low-cal food? Share them with us.