As Sharad Navratri 2024 approaches, devotees across the country are planning their nine-day fasting diet. These days of fasting are considered highly auspicious, culminating with the grand celebration of the Dussehra festival. If you are observing this fast, then you probably know about some common fast foods, like buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour, rock salt, makhana and sago. But did you know that there are other foods that you can include in your fasting diet while still following the general fasting rules? Here are five surprising things that you can include in your Navratri fasting diet and enjoy healthy and delicious food every day.
Also read: Sharad Navratri: 10 essential ingredients you must keep in your pantry for Navratri
Here are 5 surprising fasting foods that you can include in your Sharad Navratri diet:
1. Quinoa
Quinoa, often confused with a grain, is actually a gluten-free edible seed that belongs to the same family as amaranth. Although it is native to South America, it is now grown and easily available in India. This nutritional powerhouse can be a great alternative to rice on your fasting days. ,
Why quinoa?
Rich in Protein: Quinoa is prized for its protein content, making it a smart choice to keep you satiated during your fast.
Versatile: You can prepare a satisfying one-pot meal with quinoa, sweet potatoes, coconut, and nuts, experimenting with different flavors and textures.
|Nutrient Rich: Quinoa is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, providing a nutritional boost to your fasting diet.
2. Himalayan Pink Salt
The Navratri fasting diet usually revolves around rock salt (rock salt). But now you have another option. Himalayan pink salt is often considered the purest form of salt on Earth, and some argue that it is even purer than rock salt. This salt does not go through any industrial process, it remains raw and unprocessed.
Why Himalayan Pink Salt?
Mineral Rich: Himalayan pink salt contains many minerals that may be beneficial to your health.
Unprocessed: Unlike common table salt, it does not undergo extensive refinement, preserving its natural properties.
Delicious: It imparts a unique and subtle flavor to your dishes, adding to their overall appeal.
3. Sweet Potato
Potato is unquestionably the most popular fast food in Navratri fast diet. But if you ask us, sometimes eating the same vrat-friendly potato dishes at every other meal can get boring. Not anymore! Sweet potatoes are a delightful addition to your Navratri fasting menu. These starchy but nutrient-rich tubers can be prepared in a variety of ways, from roasting to boiling or mashing. They offer a sweet and satisfying taste, making them another popular choice for those observing fast.
Why sweet potatoes?
Rich in nutrients: Sweet potatoes are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
Versatile: You can use sweet potatoes in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to main dishes.
Satiety: Their natural sweetness and fiber content helps keep you satiated and curb hunger.
Also read: Healthy Sharad Navratri 2023 Fast: 3 Food Swaps for Guilt-Free Meals
Sweet potatoes can be used to make many delicious dishes.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Brown Sugar
While regular sugar is allowed during Navratri fasting, now is the time to consider a healthier alternative—brown sugar. If you are looking for ways to keep the sweet tooth of your fast satisfied without compromising on health then honey and jaggery are also excellent options.
Why brown sugar?
Less processed: Brown sugar retains some of its natural jaggery content, making it a less refined option than white sugar.
Distinctive Taste: It has a rich, caramel-like flavor that can add depth to your fasting dishes.
Retaining nutrients: Brown sugar may contain small amounts of essential minerals.
5. Seeds
Flax seeds, sunflower seeds and chia seeds are great options to consider during your Navratri fast. These seeds are versatile and can be sprinkled over vegetables or rolled into buckwheat flour, providing an extra dose of nutrition and flavor to your fasting meal.
Why seeds?
,Rich in nutrients: The seeds are rich in nutrients, containing a variety of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.
Easy to Incorporate: You can easily incorporate the seeds into your fasting diet by adding them to recipes or consuming them as a snack.
Satiety: The seeds can help keep you full and satisfied throughout the fast, preventing unwanted hunger pangs.
Sharad Navratri 2024 Fasting Diet You don’t need to limit yourself to the same old routine. With a willingness to explore new flavours, you can make your Navratri fasting experience better.
