With the start of Navratri today, our religious and devotional side is rekindled, yet some of us are feeling very confined as to what to eat and what not to eat during the fasts. This restriction affects not only those who fast during Navratras, but even those who do not fast due to restrictions such as no non-veg, onion, garlic, and so on. Have you ever considered that fasting might be enjoyable and that one can lose weight during this period by eating a variety of foods? Still perplexed as to how that is even possible. We’ve compiled a list of the top ten low-fat, healthy food options to eat during Navratri fasts to lose weight and stay on track.
- Navratri Aloo Chaat:
When the Navratri arrive, “Aloo” reigns supreme. And Aloo Chaat is like the king’s right hand–we all love it, Navratras or not. Want to enjoy aloo chaat but afraid about the extra calories? Instead of deep or shallow frying, bake or air fry the potatoes. Add your favorite masala and lemon juice and serve as a meal.
- During Fasting, consume Kuttu Ka Atta:
Buckwheat, also known as “Kuttu ka Atta” in India, is a highly nutritious cereal (even more so than regular atta/flour) that also aids weight loss due to its high fiber, protein, iron, and magnesium content while being low in calories. Few people realize that kuttu is free of saturated fat and can help us reduce our hunger (because of its high fiber content), control our blood sugar levels, and maintain good digestion.
So, instead of switching from kuttu ka atta to fruit chat, adjust your cooking methods, because kuttu ki roti is obese due to the ghee/oil content. Rather than deep-frying the rotis, bake them in the oven.
3. Diet Suhang Ke Chawal ka Uttapam/Idli:
Yes! You read that correctly. Make a batter out of suhang ke chawal ka atta and use it to make little tomato uttapams. Serve with tomato chutney or coconut chutney (some people don’t like coconut). In a nonstick pan with very little olive oil, make the uttapam.
Another option is to create idli using the same batter and serve it with tomato or coconut chutney. These are great low-fat but appetizing dishes, but make sure to watch your serving size.
4.Paneer Tikka to Satisfy Your Navratri Cravings:
Tired of eating home-cooked meals every week and want to go out but are concerned about gaining weight from fried foods? Paneer Tikka is the solution. Treat your taste buds to a platter of paneer tikka, salad, and mint chutney at your nearby Bikanervala or Haldirams. You can serve it with a glass of salted lassi. However, keep your day’s rest meals small to avoid gaining weight.
5. Weight Loss Makhanas:
These are yet another underutilized yet incredibly healthy and low-fat snack (which should be had in addition to fasting). Technically, makhanas are the seeds of the lotus flower (which few people are aware of), and as such, they are high in antioxidants. Makhanas are also one of nature’s greatest calcium sources. These can be eaten simply by roasting them in your microwave oven for 3-4 minutes and seasoning with ordinary salt. Instead of vrat ki patti or laddoos, eat them in the evening or as a mid-morning snack.
6. Milk Shakes to Relieve Hunger:
Are you tired of eating fruits and milk for breakfast? Instead, make a banana and strawberry shake. Are you wondering how you may eat bananas while attempting to lose weight? Trust me and give it a shot for yourself. However, do not add any additional sugar to the milkshake and consume it as a meal in and of itself.
7.Weight Loss with Baked Sabut Dana Tikki:
We all enjoy sabudana tikki in Navratras, whether we are tiny children or elderly men. Don’t worry, you can still consume this as part of your weight-loss regimen. The only difference is that instead of deep-frying, bake or air fry it. It may appear to be more work, but it tastes better than deep-fried ones because it is crispy and oil-free. Aaaah Haaa…Remember to keep an eye on your portion amount.
8.Navratra Diet Sabut Dana Khichidi:
This is another traditional culinary item that people enjoy during Navratras. However, I am not a fan of sabudana khichidi because it is solely composed of carbohydrates with no nutritional value. The peanuts and potatoes that we throw in add even more calories. So, if you want to lose weight, I recommend eating only a tiny portion throughout the Navratri.
9. Dinner: Kadhi Chawal:
The Letter In and of itself, Kadhi Chawal brings water to everyone’s mouth. Suhang ke chawal ka atta can be used to make Navratra special kadhi. This goes well with makhanas or a tiny quantity of suhang ke chawal. If you choose rice, pay attention to the serving amount.
10. Yogurt with fruit as a Navratri treat:
Do you have a sweet taste and are looking for a good sweet dish to eat during your fast? Go to your local COCOBERRY and get a small serving of fruit yogurt. However, eat this as a meal in and of itself rather than as a post-dinner or nighttime snack. Also, request that it be sugar-free.
With all of these Navratra Special foods stated above, I am confident you will not get tired of eating mostly “Aloo” or “Fruits” for the entire 7 days. Enjoy the Navratri with such a wide selection of excellent delicacies while also losing weight. However, remember that MODERATION is the key to success. And change your cooking methods before changing your meal. Many people have varied meal menus during fasts, so ask your elderly before proceeding.
