Highlights
- Navratri is marked by fasting and avoiding non-vegetarian foods
- A very simple and nutritious snack can be a fruit and vegetable salad
- Nuts, makahans are also a healthy snacking option
The auspicious occasion of Navratri is round the corner. Navratri is one of the most important festivals among the Hindus and comes twice a year. This year Navratri starts on 6th April and is also known as Chaitra Navratri. The week long Navratri are considered very holy by Hindus. During this time people pray to Goddess Durga. Along with the festivities, Navratri is marked by fasting and avoiding non-vegetarian foods and even onions and garlic in some cultures. Some delicious foods eaten during these fasting days are aloo ki sabzi, sabudana khichdi and most importantly, dishes made by kuttu ka atta or buckwheat flour.While fasting for Navratri, people might run out of snacking options.In today's article, we will discuss about some healthy snacking options during Navratri.
Also read: Know The Science Behind Navratri Fasting
Delhi based nutritionist Pooja Malhotra suggests some snacking options for people who fast during Navratri. These include sweet potato chaat, sabutdaana khichdi, buckwheat chila or dosa, samang rice idli, samang rice dhokla, peanuts and paneer chaat, fruit raita, banana or mango milk shake, fruit smoothies, kheer, foxnuts with milk and fruit chaat.
Some healthy snacking options during Navratri fast:
1. Makhana
Extremely delicious, makhanas are packed with good quality proteins and other essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, iron and zinc. These essential nutrients make them beneficial for overall health and a perfect go to healthy snack. Also, the protein content in makhanas can help you keep full for longer.
The protein content in makhanas can help you keep full for longer.
Photo Credit: iStock
2. Fruit smoothie
Fruit smoothie can be a perfect healthy snack. You can make a delicious smoothie for yourself by mixing yoghurt or milk and some fruits of your choice. It is filling snack with all the essential nutrients. You can add any fruit like berries, mangoes or bananas.
Also read: 5 Incredible Health Benefits of Sendha Namak (Rock Salt)
3. Buttermilk
One cannot afford to miss the health benefits buttermilk offers. Rich in calcium, it is great for people who suffer from digestive problems like bloating or acid reflux. Protein content in buttermilk can help control your appetite and curb your hunger cravings. Buttermilk is rich in potassium as well, which helps in maintaining high blood pressure. You can make it sweet or salty. Diabetics should refrain from having sweet buttermilk.
4. Nuts
Healthy nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews and pistachios have significant amount of protein. They are rich in healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals. Simply roast a handful of nuts, add some salt and enjoy your evening snack. But be mindful of the portion as nuts are high in calories and this can make you gain weight.
5. Fruit and vegetable salad
A very simple and nutritious snack can be a fruit and vegetable salad. Take the fruits of your choice and just enjoy this yummy salad. You can add cucumber, potato or cottage cheese as well in your salad. Potato is a starchy vegetable, rich in carbohydrates and cottage cheese is a good quality source of proteins. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables are rich in fibre which promote fullness and are good for your digestive health.
Also read: How To Fast Without Feeling Hungry
(Pooja Malhotra is a nutritionist based in Delhi)
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.