Navratri Recipes for Weight Loss – Day 5
Navratris is a time when many people celebrate by observing fast and only consuming foods which are permitted during Navratri . Many people observe the fast for an additional reason where they wish to not only do it for religious reasons but also improve their self discipline and make their body healthier . The fasting period offers an excellent opportunity to not only lose weight but also detoxify the body , which supports the mind to become calm and have more clarity .
The benefits of the special weight loss recipes over regular recipes are as follows
Helps detoxify the body , which helps people reduce high cholesterol.
Helps improve skin texture and bring a glow to the skin.
Helps control diabetes.
Helps reduce weight and lose inches measurably ,if done sincerely all nine days.
Brings focus and clarity and calmness to the mind
The special recipes with an objective to get multiple physical and mental benefits have been designed by a team of Allopath Doctor , Ayurvedic Doctor and Nutritionists to be scientific and medically verified .
Break fast :
Recipe Name: Almond and Cardamom Infused Milk
Ingredients:
1 cup cow’s milk
10-12 almonds
2-3 cardamom pods
2-3 tablespoons jaggery powder (adjust to taste)
Method:
Soak the almonds in warm water for a few hours or overnight. This will make them easier to peel. Once soaked, peel the almonds.
In a blender, combine the peeled almonds, cardamom pods, and a small amount of milk (about 1/4 cup). Blend until you have a smooth almond-cardamom paste.
In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat. Add the jaggery powder and stir until it dissolves completely.
Add the almond-cardamom paste to the milk and continue to heat, stirring frequently. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Once the milk is infused with the flavors and slightly thickened, remove it from heat.
Strain the milk to remove any solid particles, if desired, for a smoother texture.
Serve the Almond and Cardamom Infused Jaggery Milk warm.
Nutrition Value:
Protein: 5-7 grams
Fat: 8-10 grams
Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
Fiber: 1-2 grams
Sugar: 12-15 grams
Calcium: 200-250 mg
Health Benefits:
Rich in Calcium: Cow’s milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Heart-Healthy Almonds: Almonds are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E. They can support heart health and help control cholesterol levels.
Digestive Aid: Cardamom is known for its digestive benefits. It can help ease digestive discomfort and bloating.
Natural Sweetener: Jaggery is a natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar as it retains some minerals and vitamins.
Nutrient-Rich Beverage: This milk provides a mix of nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals, making it a nourishing and energising drink.
Lunch
Recipe Name: Cucumber Yogurt Smoothie with Sendha Salt for Navratri
Ingredients:
1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 teaspoon Saindha salt (Himalayan rock salt)
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Method:
In a blender, combine the chopped cucumber, plain yogurt, and cold water.
Add Saindha salt, cumin powder, and black pepper to the blender.
Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Taste the smoothie and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference if needed.
Pour the smoothie into serving glasses.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Smoothie for Navratri.
Nutrition Value:
Protein: 6 grams
Carbohydrates: 12 grams
Fat: 2 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Calcium: 230 mg
Vitamin C: 5 mg
Potassium: 300 mg
Health Benefits:
Hydration: Cucumber is a hydrating vegetable, and this smoothie helps keep you hydrated during Navratri fasting, especially when you may not be drinking regular water during the day.
Digestive Aid: Cumin and Saindha salt aid digestion and help alleviate any discomfort that may arise from dietary changes during the festival.
Protein Source: Yogurt provides a good source of protein, which is important for maintaining your energy levels during fasting.
Low-Calorie: This smoothie is low in calories, making it a suitable option for those observing fasting or a calorie-restricted diet.
Nutrient-Rich: Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, which contribute to overall health.
Cooling Effect: Cucumber is known for its cooling properties, which can be particularly beneficial during the warm Navratri season.
Recipe Name: Roasted Peanut and Makhana Chaat with Sendha Salt
Ingredients:
1 cup roasted peanuts
1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber
1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon sendha namak (rock salt)
1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
1 lemon, juiced
Method:
Start by dry-roasting the makhana in a pan until they turn crispy and lightly browned. Set them aside to cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted peanuts, roasted makhana, chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and green chilies.
Add the sendha namak, roasted cumin powder, and black pepper powder. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and give it a good toss to evenly coat all the ingredients with the seasoning and lemon juice.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Nutrition Value:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the peanuts and makhana.
Peanuts provide healthy fats and are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Makhana is low in fat and sodium and is a source of fiber and several essential minerals.
Cucumbers and tomatoes are low in calories and provide essential vitamins and hydration.
Coriander adds flavor and is a source of vitamin K and C.
Health Benefits:
This dish is suitable for Navratri fasting as it uses sendha namak, which is permissible during this period.
Peanuts and makhana are high in protein, providing a sense of fullness and sustained energy.
Makhana is known to be low in calories and can help with weight management.
The dish is also rich in antioxidants and can support overall health and well-being.
The ingredients are easily digestible, making it a good option during fasting.
Dinner
Recipe Name:Ghiya Vegetable (Bottle Gourd Curry with Sendha Salt)
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized bottle gourd (doodhi/lauki), peeled and diced
1-2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
1 green chili, slit (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 cup fresh, thick yogurt (dahi)
1 teaspoon sendha namak (rock salt)
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Method:
Heat the ghee or vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
Add the green chili and grated ginger. Sauté for a minute until they release their aroma.
Add the diced bottle gourd pieces and sauté for a few minutes.
Lower the heat and add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, and sendha namak (rock salt). Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the bottle gourd cook for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes tender. Stir occasionally.
Once the bottle gourd is soft and well-cooked, add the yogurt. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy curry. Adjust the thickness by adding water if needed.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 380mg
Potassium: 260mg
Vitamin C: 18mg (30% DV)
Calcium: 80mg (8% DV)
Iron: 1.2mg (7% DV)
Health Benefits:
Low in Calories: This dish is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy option for those observing a fast during Navratri.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Bottle gourd is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which supports your immune system.
Digestive Aid: Cumin, ginger, and black pepper in this recipe are known for their digestive properties, which can help alleviate common digestive discomfort during fasting.
Cooling Effect: Bottle gourd and yogurt provide a cooling effect on the body, which can be beneficial during Navratri, especially when spicy foods are limited.
Rock Salt: Sendha salt (rock salt) is a key ingredient in fasting recipes and is a healthier alternative to regular salt. It doesn’t contain iodine and is considered suitable for fasting.
Recipe Name: Cucumber Carrot Sesame Seed Salad with Sendha Salt
Ingredients:
2 cucumbers, peeled and diced
2 carrots, peeled and grated
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon sendha salt (rock salt)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves (optional)
1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, for some heat)
Method:
In a dry pan, toast the sesame seeds over low heat until they turn golden brown. Set them aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers and grated carrots.
Add the toasted sesame seeds, sendha salt, and chopped green chili (if using). Toss the ingredients together to mix them well.
If desired, garnish the salad with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
Refrigerate the salad for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and essential minerals.
Low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Health Benefits:
Hydration: Cucumbers have a high water content, helping keep you hydrated during fasting in Navratri.
Nutrient-Rich: Cucumbers and carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
Digestive Aid: Sendha salt is commonly used during fasting and can aid in digestion.
Low in Calories: This salad is low in calories, making it a healthy and filling choice for your fasting days.
Fiber: The dietary fiber from the vegetables and sesame seeds promotes healthy digestion and helps you feel full for longer.
Antioxidants: The vegetables in this salad are packed with antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and protect your cells from damage.