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Have you ever wondered why some vegetables are permitted during fast and others are not?
In most people's view, all vegetables are characterised as the source of natural nutrition from plants. However, as per Hindu yogic scripture, each vegetable has its own unique characteristic that affects a different dosha of humans. These vegetables are characterised as Sattvic, Tamasic, and Rajsic foods depending on the energy they impart, their effect on the mind and body, and their ability to influence spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.
Sattvic foods are pure, light and easily digestible. They promote spiritual purity, mental clarity, and a calm mind. Therefore only Sattvic foods are permitted during fasting. All the stale, hard-to-digest, fermented, spicy, fried and oily foods come in the Tamasic category whereas all the stimulating, energizing spicy, sour, rich in fats and sugar and agitating foods come in the Rajsic category. Tamasic foods can make you lethargic and dull while Rajsic foods can make you agitated, restless and always rely on them for an energy boost. Sattvic foods, therefore, are considered the best when it comes to spiritual cleansing and encourage balance in body, mind and soul.
For this reason, during special occasions like Navratri, it is often suggested to stick to the Sattvic diet to devote yourself to bhakti and purify yourself. While vegetables are considered a part of the Sattvic diet, not all of them have Sattvic properties. If you are confused about what vegetables you can eat during Navratri, check out this list.
Potatoes
Potato is the most commonly eaten vegetable during fasting. They are versatile, easily digestible, and can be prepared with less or no oil. They help in providing energy that lasts all day which makes it a perfect meal.
Sweet Potatoes
Just like potatoes, sweet potatoes are also easily digestible and can be prepared without oil. Its rich in nutrients that help in promoting balance between body and mind. Sweet potatoes provide energy for the entire day and come with a naturally delicious sweet flavour.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is also one of the foods that takes less cooking time and promotes the digestive ability of the body. Since its digestive, it helps push out all the leftovers from the body, which ultimately promotes cleansing. Pumpkin is also light and hydrating which promotes satiety.
Cucumber
Cucumber is known for its hydrating and energising properties that help cleanse the body from the inside. It keeps the body cool which helps in promoting balance, and helps as a detoxifier to push out all the toxins. Cucumbers can be eaten raw so you can enjoy the whole nutrients without breaking them down with heat.
Lauki
Lauki or bottle gourd is often savoured during fasting because of its hydrating and cooling properties. It can be eaten in many ways in both sweet and savoury recipes and can be a flavorful addition to your vrat thali.
Arbi
Arbi is a root vegetable that imparts energy and sustenance during long periods of fasting. It has a mild flavor so it gets along pretty well with any ingredients you’d cook with it. Its digestibility makes it a perfect sattvic option for your vrat platter.
Beetroot
Beetroot is brimming with antioxidants that scares away all the toxins in your body and gives a pleasing sensation. Whether you eat it with salad, as a juice or stir it in oil to make a quick stir fry, beetroot is perfect to eat however you like. Being a sattvic vegetable, beetroot provides nutrients to the body while maintaining purity and lightness needed during pooja and rituals.
With these vegetables in your pantry, your vrat platter won’t go out of flavour and options. You can enjoy the flavours while maintaining balance and calmness in your body and mind.
