Navratri Recipes for Weight Loss – Day 8
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: Grated Carrot and Pumpkin Cutlet
Ingredients:
1 cup grated carrot
1 cup grated pumpkin
Add 1 tsp water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta) for binding
2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
Sendha salt (rock salt) to taste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
1/2 tsp ginger, grated
2-3 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
Ghee or oil for shallow frying
Method:
Begin by squeezing out any excess moisture from the grated carrot and pumpkin using a clean cloth or paper towel.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated carrot, pumpkin, green chilies, sendha salt, cumin seeds, black pepper powder, grated ginger, and fresh coriander leaves. Mix everything well to form a thick, manageable dough.
Heat a non-stick pan and add a little ghee or oil for shallow frying.
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into small patties or cutlets.
Place the cutlets on the hot pan and cook them on medium heat until they are golden brown on both sides. Use additional ghee or oil as needed.
Once the cutlets are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Serve hot with a side of fresh coriander chutney or yogurt.
Nutrition Value:
This recipe is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the carrots and pumpkins.
Sendha salt makes it suitable for Navratri fasting.
The cutlets are relatively low in calories if shallow-fried with minimal oil or ghee.
Health Benefits:
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, promoting healthy vision and immune function.
Pumpkin is rich in vitamins C and E, which contribute to skin health and immunity.
This dish is a nutritious and delicious option for those following a fast during Navratri while providing essential nutrients and flavor.
Lunch
Recipe Name: Bottle Gourd Mint Raita
Ingredients:
1 cup grated bottle gourd (dudhi/lauki)
1 cup fresh yogurt (curd)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon black salt
1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
Salt to taste
Method:
Begin by peeling the bottle gourd and grating it using a fine grater. Squeeze out any excess water from the grated bottle gourd and set it aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the fresh yogurt until it’s smooth and creamy.
Add the grated bottle gourd, finely chopped fresh mint leaves, cumin powder, black salt, and regular salt to the yogurt. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are combined.
In a small pan, dry roast cumin seeds until they become aromatic. Crush them slightly using a mortar and pestle.
Garnish the raita with roasted cumin seeds and a pinch of red chili powder if desired.
Refrigerate the raita for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Value:
Calories: 70
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 1mg
Health Benefits:
Low in Calories: This raita is low in calories, making it a healthy addition to your Navratri meal.
Rich in Fiber: Bottle gourd is a good source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Probiotics: Yogurt in the raita is a probiotic, promoting a healthy gut and aiding digestion.
Mint’s Digestive Properties: Mint leaves are known for their digestive properties and can help alleviate indigestion and gas.
Hydration: Bottle gourd has a high water content, helping to keep you hydrated during fasting periods.
Vitamins and Minerals: Bottle gourd is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.
Recipe Name: Cucumber Sesame Seed Salad
Ingredients:
2 large cucumbers
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 green chili (optional, for some heat)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Rock salt or sendha namak (for fasting during Navratri)
1 tablespoon roasted peanut powder (optional)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, only if not fasting)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional, only if not fasting)
Method:
Wash and peel the cucumbers. Slice them thinly or use a julienne peeler to create long, thin strips. Place them in a mixing bowl.
In a dry pan, lightly roast the white and black sesame seeds separately until they become aromatic and slightly golden. Allow them to cool.
Once the sesame seeds have cooled, mix them with the cucumber strips.
If you prefer some heat, finely chop the green chili and add it to the salad.
Add the lemon juice and a pinch of rock salt (sendha namak) to the salad. Toss everything together.
If you’re not fasting, you can also add a tablespoon of sugar for a touch of sweetness and some black pepper for added flavor.
Garnish the salad with chopped cilantro and roasted peanut powder, if using.
Refrigerate the salad for about 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition Value:
Calories: 50-60 kcal
Carbohydrates: 6-8g
Fiber: 2-3g
Protein: 2-3g
Healthy fats: 3-4g
Vitamins and Minerals: Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium.
Health Benefits:
Low in Calories: This salad is a great choice for those looking to manage their weight as it is low in calories.
Hydration: Cucumbers have a high water content, making this salad hydrating, which is especially important during fasting in Navratri.
Fiber: The fiber in cucumbers aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
Essential Nutrients: Cucumbers are a source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium.
Antioxidants: Sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Heart Health: Sesame seeds may support heart health due to their healthy fats and fiber content.
Digestive Health: The combination of cucumber and sesame seeds can promote digestive health.
Dinner
Recipe Name: Paneer and Bottle Gourd Soup
Ingredients:
200g paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
1 medium-sized bottle gourd, peeled and diced
1 large tomato, chopped
1/2 inch piece of ginger, minced
1 green chili, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter) or oil
Sendha Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Water as needed
Method:
Heat ghee or oil in a large saucepan. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add the minced ginger, and chopped green chili. Sauté for a minute or until they turn fragrant.
Add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens and the oil begins to separate.
Add the turmeric powder and salt, and mix well.
Add the diced bottle gourd and cubed paneer, stirring for a few minutes.
Add enough water to cover the vegetables and paneer, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the bottle gourd is tender.
Once cooked, let it cool slightly before blending into a smooth soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
Return the soup to the saucepan, reheat, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Health Benefits:
Low in Calories: This soup is a healthy and low-calorie option, making it suitable for those looking to manage their weight during Navratri.
Rich in Protein: Paneer is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.
High in Fiber: Bottle gourd is a good source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Vitamins and Minerals: The soup contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, contributing to your overall nutrition.
Easy to Digest: The combination of paneer and bottle gourd makes this soup easy to digest, making it a suitable choice during fasting.
Low in Fat: This soup is relatively low in fat, which can be beneficial for those looking to maintain a low-fat diet.