Top foods to have while Fasting
Healthy Foods for Navratri:
Nourishing Your Body During the Festive Fast
Navratri, a vibrant and spiritually significant festival in India, spans nine nights dedicated to worshipping the goddess Durga. Along with being the festival of devotion, Navratri is also a festival for maintaining physical, spiritual and mental well being. This festival is largely celebrated throughout India. Many people observe fasting during this festival over a period of 9 days, which signifies a period of detoxification. However while fasting it is very important to eat nutrient rich food, stay hydrated and nourish your body with wholesome foods that provide sustained energy and nutrients during this period.
Wondering how to stay full and healthy while maintaining your fast this navratri? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some healthy foods to include in your Navratri diet, ensuring you're energised throughout the celebrations.
What to eat-
Sabudana or Tapioca Pearls
The most common and easily available food while fasting is sabudana. It is known for its rich carbohydrates content which makes it ideal for fasting. It provides an instant energy boost, making it perfect for those who need quick fuel during fasting.
How to Eat
Make a delicious Sabudana Khichdi by adding peanuts and green chillies to soaked sabudana for a perfect meal. People also like to make small patties of sabudana, potatoes and spices and deep fry them to make tasty sabudana vadas.
Makhana
Makhana or Lotus seeds are one of the best snacking options. They are not only healthy but will kill your hunger instantly. They are rich in proteins and antioxidants.
How to Eat
People usually like to have makhana directly because it is a quick snacking option. You can also roast them in ghee and enjoy or make sweet kheer with it.
Rajgira or Amaranth
Rajgira also known as amaranth is a grain that is highly nutritious and recommended during fasting. It has a lot of nutritional value, it is rich in calcium, protein, and amino acids. Rajgira helps maintain muscle health and provides long-lasting energy.
How to Eat
Have rajgira as a porridge with it for a heavy and fulfilling meal. Make fluffy chapatis with the or sweet ladoos or chikkis to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Sweet Potatoes
Another healthy fasting option is Sweet potatoes. These are a rich source of complex carbohydrates and fibre that gives you energy for longer durations. They're also loaded with vitamins A and C, helping boost immunity and overall health.
How to Eat
Typically sweet potatoes are best boiled but you can also make fries with them and sprinkle some salt for flavour. Some people also like to make a sweet dish with them to satisfy sweet cravings.
Samak Rice (Barnyard Millet)
Barnyard millet, commonly known as Samak rice, is a staple during Navratri fasts. It is a great alternative to regular rice and is gluten-free, making it easy to digest. Rich in fibre, minerals, and vitamins, Samak rice helps maintain your energy levels without causing bloating.
How to Eat
You can prepare it as a pulao, kheer, or even plain boiled rice paired with a curry made from vrat-friendly vegetables like pumpkin or potato.
Nuts
One of the best options while fasting is having nuts as they will provide you with all the nutrients to keep you energised throughout your fasting. They have good amounts of proteins and healthy fats. Nuts include lots of things like Peanuts, Cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts etc.
How to Eat
Include nuts in your diet as it is or make delicious smoothies or milkshakes with them. People also like to make chikkis with them which is also a fulfilling option.
Dahi or Raita
Yoghurt is great for staying full and supporting digestion during fasting. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and it's light on the stomach. People have dahi as side dish along with sabudana khichdi or vada.
How to Eat:
Have a bowl of plain yoghurt, or make a raita with cucumbers or grated carrots. You can also blend it into a lassi or smoothie for a refreshing drink.
Coconut water
Coconut water is one of the best options to keep you full and hydrated throughout the day. It is known to have high amounts of calcium and also carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium which gives you instant energy.
How to Eat
Have your coconut water as it is or add a few drops of lemon and masala to make a more refreshing drink.
Tips for a Healthy Navratri Fast
- Stay Hydrated- Drinking plenty of water or coconut water will detox your body and keep you hydrated throughout the day. Make sure you complete your daily intake of 2 litres of water or more everyday.
- Eat small frequent meals- Instead of having a large meal and starving till the next one, eat smaller portions of meal more frequently. This will make sure you are full throughout the day and also maintain your energy levels.
- Include a variety of meals- fasting does not always have to be boring. Keep your plate full of varieties of foods to ensure balanced nutrition. Include food from different groups like grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Conclusion
Fasting during navratri is considered as a devotion towards goddess Durga. It is not only a spiritual journey but also a chance to detox your body and nourish it. Choose healthy and nutrition rich food options during fasting to ensure you stay energised and healthy throughout your nine days of fasting. Whether it’s the simplest fruits or nuts to meals like sabudana khichdi, there are plenty of delicious ways to stay healthy during the festive season.
Remember, fasting doesn't mean compromising on health, and with these tips and food ideas, you can strike the perfect balance between tradition and nutrition during Navratri. Happy fasting!
