What To Eat When You Are Fasting During Navratri

9 days. Colourful ghagras. Lots of synchronised dancing. Navratri is a festival that brings out the fun side of most people. An aspect of this festival, that is more subdued, more subtle is the fasting. For many people, these 9 days comprise fasting and performing religious rituals. Fasting during Navratri is a way to rejuvenate the body and mind- think of it like a religious detox!

But then this festival also allows for certain liberties while fasting which can often be counter-productive to the very goal you are trying to achieve. Since fasting has turned into feasting on plates of fried foods, the entire purpose of Navratri is lost. So instead of restricting your calorie intake, you are actually loading up. Don’t worry ladies, we have you sorted. We have a bunch of snacking options when you are fasting.

Fruits are a good option. Nuts and dried fruits make a great snack. And definitely fill yourself up with lots of water. But if you are going to use this as an excuse to gorge on sago vada, potatoes fries and fried kuttu puri, that’s a bad idea. We are giving you healthy options here. Don’t roll your eyes, these are good for you.

Sago (Sabudana)

With so many alternatives available, fasting is no more limited to sabudana vadas. Preferably, opt for sago khichdi than a vada. Also, sago flour is available which can be used to make a roti/dosa which is lighter on the tummy. And can be eaten during Navratri!

Samai Rice

Samai rice preparation along with curd is a good alternative during fast. Samai rice can also be used in dhokla/dosa preparation. Curd rice can also be made using this rice.

Buckwheat (Kuttu)

The traditional way of using kuttu was making fried puris out of it. Regular roti is the way to go. Also other preparations of kuttu like dosa, dhokla, khichdi are possible. And these are not friend, so they are better for you.

Amaranth (Rajgira)

Make good use of Rajgira seeds by coating your potato cutlets with them. Rajgira flour rotis make a healthy option too.

Water Chestnut Flour (Singhara Flour)

This flour makes good rotis, chilla as well as a dosa. An interesting preparation using this flour is kadhi. You can use this flour to substitute the besan in kadhi. Plus, this is delicious.

Paneer/Chenna

Chenna is good choice at breakfast or in the evening along with few nuts. Paneer can be stuffed in any of the flours to make roti. You can also use this as a stuffing in a dosa preparation.

Lotus Seeds (Makhana)

Makhana is a good snack during fasting. It is light and crunchy too. Makhana kheer is a good dessert to opt for. Yes, you can indulge as well.

What do you tend to eat during Navratri? Tell us in the comments below.