Healthy Foods to Include in Your Diet During Navratri

Navratri is going on, and it is a celebration of Shakti, the Goddess Durga. These nine days are a devotion to the Goddess through fast and worship. To do it with more purity, people fast during this time. It is quite difficult and a matter of concern what to eat and what to avoid in the diet during these days. Lots of people fast during this time to show their love and devotion to Goddess Durga.

On this religious fast, only a few food items are allowed. Fast food should be completely avoided, and sattvic food, which means no non-vegetarian preparation are given in the diet. If you are planning to fast the entire day, it is suggested that you do so in a healthy manner. It is advised to have fresh fruits, vegetables, yoghurt, milk and its products and healthy beverages instead of heavy and dense carbohydrate-rich snacks such as potatoes, sago, and deep-fried foods or sweets.

Read More: Navratri Recipes for Weight Loss 

The foods that can be included in the diet are as follows:

Kuttu Atta (Buckwheat Flour)

Kuttu or buckwheat is one of the best fibrous foods and detoxifiers for the body. It can be included in the diet. The fibre which is present in it helps to keep the hunger pangs controlled. It is also a good source of protein, vitamin B-complex, minerals like iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and magnesium. It also contains the fatty acid which reduces the risk of diabetes by decreasing the glucose, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

Sabudana (Sago/Tapioca Pearls)

Sabudana is one of the greatest sources of carbohydrates and gives a great amount of energy to the individual. During the fast, it can be very beneficial because it has a cooling effect and it can be digested easily. It can be included in the diet through various processes, such as it can be mixed up with other ingredients, such as milk to make kheer, khichdi, payasam.

Samak Chawal (Barnyard Millet)

It can be used in place of rice because the tastes are almost similar. It is the richest source of calories, fibres, vitamin B complex and minerals like iron and magnesium. It is a good source of phytochemicals which help in lowering cholesterol.

Makhanas (Fox nuts)

It is one of the best foods during Navratri. It is a good source of antioxidants which help as an antiaging agent by preventing from wrinkles and premature aging. It is also high in fibre, which helps in avoiding constipation. It is also low in saturated fat but high in potassium, which helps to control high blood pressure, diabetes, and insomnia. It is also helpful for patients suffering from arthritis to prevent the joint pain.

Dry Fruits

They are a good source of protein and energy, and are mostly used in sweet dishes.

Fruits and Vegetables

They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also rich in fibre.

Milk and Dairy products

Milk and dairy are the richest sources of protein and calcium. They can be included in the diet in good proportions.

Herbs and Spices

Salt is not allowed in Navratri. However, spices such as cloves, cinnamon, green cardamom, and sendha namak (rock salt) are allowed during this time.

How Can OneHealth Help?

At OneHealth by Dr. Shikha Sharma, we don’t just give you a generic plan; we tailor it to your needs. Our team of doctors and nutritionists works in close contact with you to create a personalized diet plan according to your unique prakriti.

Our approach is based on holistic nutrition, which means we look at your overall health. We believe in the power of traditional Indian medicine and combine it with modern science to give you the best of both worlds. Contact us today to book a free consultation and know the best diet plan to reduce your cholesterol according to your body type.