Navratri is one of India's most famous Hindu festivals, celebrated for nine days, dedicated to worshipping the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. While there are four Navratri in the whole year, only two are marked; Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. During the Navratri season, devotees gear up to celebrate various rituals, including observing fast or vrat. As per experts. Fasting during Navratri or eating sattvic foods helps detox our body from heavy and greasy foods, essential during the season change. It also helps in cleansing our digestive system.
During Navratri, people do not meat, fish, eggs or any non-veg item. And while fasting, one cannot consume grains, pulses and cereals as well. So, dal-chawal, or those regular spicy curries are out from the diet! What do we eat, you ask? There are options galore to keep yourself afloat and fuelled through the day, so you don’t starve yourself!
Here are 3 food items you can eat while fasting!
1. Fruits
Choose from apples, fibre-rich bananas, mangoes to berries or toss it all together for a chaat with rock salt and a pinch of lime. Isn’t it a great way to make fasting fun?
2. Milk
A glass of milk is sure to keep your energies high. You can even include milk products like yoghurt and paneer in yours. A bowl of yoghurt on the side in lunch, a cup of tea in the evening and a glass of milk for breakfast are perfect for adding to your meal plan!
3. Nuts & Seeds
The treasure trove of nutrients, nut and seeds like almonds, cashews and raisins are brimming with healthy fats, antioxidants, proteins and fibre that add satiety to the body besides other health benefits. Eat a handful of them as is, or you can even add them to salads and shakes.
These nutrient-dense foods are a great way to keep yourself healthy and hearty through the Navratri fasting season. Know more foods to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!