Janmashtami calls for feasting on these 5 healthy grains and flours

Janmashtami, the festival which marks the birth of Lord Krishna, is as much about fasting as it is about feasting! You agree, don’t you? While there’s a limited palette of grains and flour that you can choose from to consume on this day, if you want it can all be super healthy.

Think Kuttu (buckwheat) ka paratha or dosa instead of Kuttu ke pakore; or Sabudana khichdi instead of deep-fried Sabudana vada. After hours of fasting when people head to the dining table, they look forward to scrumptious spread, traditionally consisting for simple Indian food made with a select few grains and floors, and lots of sweets.

Janmashtami
Kuttu ka atta is healthy for you and your family. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

While some people follow the strict ‘nirjala upwas‘ or no-water fasting on Janmashtami, there are a lot of devotees who chose to follow a milder form of fasting where they consume certain permitted foods and water. And interestingly, some of these foods have been carefully chosen for their nutritional benefits to give the human body instant energy and the strength to keep away from binge-eating.

Celebrity nutritionist Shikha A Sharma suggests some flours and grains that are safe to stick to while fasting and feasting this and every Janmashtami:

1. Ragi flour:

It is high in protein and fibre, and boosts one’s immune system. A wonder grain for weight loss, ragi flour also keeps the body cool when consumed during the summer months. You can make idli, dosa, or puris with ragi flour.

Janmashtami
Choose paratha or dosa over pakore. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
2. Kuttu atta:

Packed with fibre, kuttu atta is good for your digestive system. Being high on protein but low on calories, it aids natural weight loss. With high contents of calcium and magnesium, kuttu is a great ingredient that makes your bones strong.

3. Rajgira atta (Amaranth flour):

Another gluten-free flour high on protein and fibre, rajgira atta is a common substitute for regular atta during fasts. Its earthy and nutty flavour goes well with a variety of ingredients, and it is often used to make dosas and porridge.

Also Read: Consume these 8 low-calorie grains to lose weight without starving yourself

Janmashtami
Even when you’re not fasting, sabudana can be good for your health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
4. Sama rice (Barnyard millet) and Sabudana (Tapioca pearls):

These are very high in protein and fibre, and therefore provide one with a lot of energy to survive a long-fasting session. However, the most important thing to note here is the satiating feeling they leave you with after consumption. One can go about their daily business without feeling weak throughout the day. You can make khichdi, fritters, kheer, savoury pancakes, pulao, or porridge.

5. Singhara atta (Water chestnut flour):

This energy-rich food keeps your body’s water retention in check and helps in weight loss. Packed with potassium, essential nutrients and vitamins, singhara atta is also gluten-free. Like the others on this list, this flour also leaves you with a full stomach and discourages snacking.