Navratri is a nine-day long festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, celebrated in India with a lot of fervour. During this period, many devotees observe fast as a ritual.
Navratri is also the perfect time to detox your body by eating healthy food. Here is a list of foods and beverages that you may consume while fasting this Navratri.
Foods To Eat
• Have A Plate Full Of Fruits
One can eat a wide variety of fruits while fasting for Navratri. Here are a few healthy fruits to add to your fasting meal plan.
1. Apples: Packed with dietary fibre, Vitamin C, Potassium
2. Bananas: Rich source of vitamins (A, C, B-6), dietary fibre, and minerals
3. Papaya: A good source of fibre, vitamin C, and vitamin A4.
4. Pomegranate: Packed with vitamins – A, C, and E along with folic acid
• Include Nuts
One of the excellent food options to include during Navratri fast are almonds, cashews, pistachios and roasted makhanas. Roasted dry fruits are considered the best option when added to milkshakes and fruit salads. Nuts are a great source to keep the energy levels high and make one feel fuller all through the day.
• Eat Whole Grains
Some of the whole grain options that you can opt for are Samak, rajgira, and buckwheat (kuttu). They will not only provide you with energy but are easy to digest. These foods are rich in antioxidants and complex carbs. Kuttu is a common ingredient used in various recipes like kuttu chilla, kuttu fritters, kuttu paratha, etc.
• Say Yes To Dairy Products
One can also include dairy-based food products like curd, cottage cheese, buttermilk, and milk in their fasting menu.
• Indulge In Vegetables
Include vegetables that are sattvic (pure) in nature. Vegetables like potato, sweet potato, raw papaya, ginger, lemon, bottle gourd, cucumber, and carrots are the best options to be added to the Navratri fasting menu. The listed vegetables are good sources of energy, hydration and are milder in terms of flavours.
Drinks To Keep You Satiated During Navratri
• Fresh Lassi
This healthy yoghurt based drink helps cool down the internal system while it supports digestion. It is rich in calcium and has multiple other health benefits associated with it.
• Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie
Make this delicious smoothie by blending peeled kiwis and strawberries with curd and honey. This healthy drink provides antioxidants, vitamins C, E, and A and is high in fibre.
• Fresh Coconut Water
This refreshing drink available in the market is a suitable option during Navratri fast. It is rich in natural electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals while being the best instant energy source with minimal calories.
• Mint Shikanji
Mint shikanji is one of the refreshing drinks to choose from during the Navratri fast. With the goodness of mint and the tangy flavour of lemon, it is best suited to improve digestive powers and helps treat oral problems such as tooth decay and plaque.
Some tips to follow during Navratri fasting:
• Don’t overeat
• Avoid fried foods
• Stay hydrated
• Take proper sleep
• Avoid packaged food
• Refrain from fasting if unwell
