Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, during which devotees observe fasts and abstain from consuming grains, meat, and certain vegetables. According to Dt. Vidhi Chawla, Founder of Fisico Diet and Aesthetic Clinic, while the primary focus is on spiritual observance, it's also essential to maintain a balanced diet during this time. Many people seek low-calorie options that are both nutritious and delicious to stay energised and healthy. In this article, we'll explore some great low-calorie foods that can be enjoyed during Navratri fasting.
Low Calorie Foods for Navratri Fasting
Navratri fasting is not only about spiritual devotion but also an opportunity to nourish your body with low-calorie, nutritious foods. By making mindful food choices, you can enjoy a delightful culinary experience while adhering to your fasting regimen. Here are ten foods for navratri fasting recommendations by Dt. Vidhi.
1. Fresh Fruits
Fruits like apples, pears, papayas, and pomegranates are excellent choices. They are not only low in calories but also rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. You can eat them as is or prepare fruit chaats with a sprinkle of rock salt and sendha namak (rock salt).
Also Read: Navratri Fasting Tips How To Do It With Intermittent Fasting
2. Root Vegetables
As per Dt. Vidhi, root vegetables like sweet potatoes (shakarkandi) and tapioca (sabudana) are widely consumed during Navratri fasts. These are low in calories and can be prepared in various ways, such as roasting, boiling, or making tikkis.
3. Bottle Gourd (Lauki)
Bottle gourd is a versatile vegetable that can be used in different recipes like lauki ki sabzi or lauki kheer. It's a low-calorie option that's gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.
4. Cucumber
"Cucumber is a hydrating and low-calorie vegetable that can be eaten as a snack or added to yogurt for a refreshing raita," shares Dt. Vidhi.
5. Singhara Flour (Water Chestnut Flour)
Singhara flour is a popular fasting ingredient and can be used to make puris or parathas. It's lower in calories compared to regular wheat flour.
Also Read: Navratri Fasting Foods: Expert Lists Foods To Eat And Avoid
6. Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Makhana is a fantastic low-calorie snack option. It's high in fibre and can be roasted and seasoned with sendha namak for added flavour.
7. Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, and seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds are great sources of healthy fats, protein, and fibre. They make for a filling and low-calorie snack.
8. Yogurt (Curd)
Plain yoghourt, when not sweetened, is an excellent source of protein and probiotics. It can be consumed as is or used to prepare raita with cucumbers and mint.
9. Sago (Sabudana)
Sago pearls are commonly used during Navratri fasts to prepare khichdi, kheer, or vada. They are low in calories and provide a good source of energy.
Watch this video for navratri fasting tips
10. Herbs and Spices
Herbs like coriander and mint and spices like green chilies and cumin seeds can be used to enhance the flavours of your fasting dishes without adding many calories.
Conclusion
It is crucial to ensure that your Navratri meals are well-balanced to provide the necessary nutrients. While these low-calorie options are great, be mindful of portion sizes and choose a variety of items to ensure a diverse intake of nutrients. Remember that individual dietary needs can vary, so it's essential to listen to your body and adjust your fasting menu accordingly.
Dt. Vidhi concludes by saying, "If you have underlying health conditions or specific dietary requirements, consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to tailor your fasting plan to your unique needs. Navratri fasting can be a beautiful blend of spiritual and physical well-being. By incorporating these delightful low-calorie foods into your fasting routine, you can embark on a journey that not only nourishes your soul but also leaves your body feeling healthy and invigorated."