During the Navratri festival, Durga devotees fast for all nine days while some choose to fast for the first two and the last two days. Make the most of Navratri fasting by choosing the right foods and stay energized-
1) Skim Milk:
Skimmed milk is simply milk with lesser or no cream/fat content in it. Skimmed milk is an excellent source of vegetarian protein, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. You can have fruit milkshakes, masala doodh, lassi etc. using skim milk. It may also be used to prepare makhana kheer/dates kheer/sweet potato kheer.
2) Dry Fruits:
We can also call them as “Superfoods”. They are an excellent source of energy, super tasty and crunchy. They are a great source of protein and help increase your stamina. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, and a number of B vitamins. They not only increase your energy levels, but also make you feel fuller for longer time during fasting, strengthen the immune system, keeps your heart healthy and maintains blood glucose levels.
3) Rajgeera & Singhara flour:
Rajgeera and Singhara flours are healthy options to Sabudana and starchy potatoes which hardly contain any nutrients. You can prepare phulkas, porridge, upma or chillas with these flours while you’re fasting. Rajgeera is a great source of protein for vegetarians. It contains good amount of fiber, helps in better digestion and reduces blood cholesterol. It also provides good amount of Iron and Calcium which helps nourish your body. Singhara (water chestnut is also high on fiber, rich source of potassium and Vitamin B6. It is a protective food for many diseases.
4) Barnyard millet:
Aka Bhagar, Varai, Moraiya Or Sama ke chawal. This millet is low in calories and good source of protein. It is light for digestion and keeps you active throughout the day. It has a low glycaemic index and therefore recommended for diabetic patients who are fasting. Barnyard millet nurtures your body with good amount of Potassium, Iron and Calcium. Recipes such as Khichdi, Dosa, Upma, Payasam can be included during your Shravan fast using barnyard millet.
5) Low Fat Cottage Cheese:
Cottage cheese or paneer is undoubtedly favourite of all. It is a brilliant source of protein and calcium. Recipes such as Paneer curry, Paneer-Potato cutlets or kebabs, Paneer stuffed Rajgeera paratha, Paneer fritters using Singhara atta are some of the outstanding recipes.
Maintaining optimum health even during fasting is utmost important. Include variety of fresh seasonal fruits, buttermilk, lemonade to keep you going all day. Keeping your body hydrated is very important. Lesser fluids/water can make you feel fatigued.
Make use of the above ingredients for balanced meals so that you do not compromise with your health and immunity even during fasting.
Very useful information