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Many people in India celebrate the Navratri festival by worshipping Goddess Durga and fasting for all nine days. This festival is celebrated twice a year with great fervour across the country. During fasting, sabudana khichdi, kuttu ke atte ke pakode or puri, fruit chaat, or kheer are some of the most common foods that people consume. If you’re also fasting for all nine days and a bit bored of eating regular foods, try some unique Navratri fast foods!
Recently, celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija took to Instagram to share a video post on the foods which can also be a part of your Navratri fasting meal. Her post focused on making the boring fasting meal to a bit more interesting and foods that can also even help in curbing hunger and cravings.
Here are 3 foods that can be enjoyed during the Navratri fast:
1. Quinoa
We are not allowed to eat grains during the fast, so we take rajgira atta or sama ke chawal during the Navratri. Just like them, quinoa can also be a great addition.
Makhija says it is a seed, not a grain. That’s why you can use it and it does not have any flavour of its own. After boiling quinoa, you can make its upma, poha, pulao, or biryani, or even make quinoa flour roti to consume them on your fast. These are great ways to include quinoa in your daily diet during the Navratri.
2. Soba noodles
The second addition to your diet can be “Soba noodles.” Are you wondering what it is? Well, it is Buckwheat flour. We call it kuttu ka atta in India but in Japan, it is known as soba. Many people include buckwheat flour in their diet during Navratri.
Makhija suggests that to make your fasting food interesting, you can try soba noodles. In fact, its pancakes are also very fluffy and if you try its pizza, you may love its crunchy crust.
3. Makhana
Makhana or foxnuts are considered one of the best and healthy snacks because it is loaded with several nutrients. It can also help you curb your cravings and can keep your hunger pangs away during fasting.
Makhija says, “Makhana is also a seed that you can roast, along with ghee, curry leaves, nuts like peanuts, almonds, coconut flakes. This will also add good fat to your diet.”
Other interesting options to use during your 9 days fast:
* Sweet potato
* Cucumber or dudhi raita
* Seeds mix with rock salt – flaxseeds, pumpkin, sunflower seeds
