Navratri Recipes for Weight Loss – Day 9
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: Bottle Gourd Cutlet + mint dip
Ingredients:
2 cups grated bottle gourd (dudhi/lauki)
1/2 cup roasted and crushed peanuts
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
1/4 cup grated fresh coconut
2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp Sendha salt
1-2 tbsp ghee
Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Method:
Squeeze the excess water from the grated bottle gourd. You can use a clean cloth or your hands to do this. Ensure that the bottle gourd is as dry as possible.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated bottle gourd, crushed peanuts, chopped coriander leaves, grated coconut, green chilies, ginger paste, cumin seeds, red chili powder, garam masala, and rock salt. Mix well to form a dough-like mixture.
Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into round cutlets or patties.
Heat ghee or vegetable oil in a pan and roast the cutlet on low to medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Remove the cutlets from the pan and place them on a plate.
Serve the bottle gourd cutlets hot with lemon wedges and a side of mint chutney.
Nutrition Value:
Serving Size: 2 cutlets
Calories: 180
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
Potassium: 350mg
Health Benefits:
High in Fiber: The grated bottle gourd adds fiber to the cutlets, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Nutrients: Bottle gourd is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, and calcium.
Peanuts for Protein: Peanuts provide a protein boost and healthy fats while adding a nutty flavor to the cutlets.
Suitable for Fasting: The use of rock salt (sendha namak) makes this recipe suitable for Navratri fasting (Vrat) without regular salt.
Lunch
Recipe Name: Roasted Makhana, Peanut and Cucumber Chaat
Ingredients:
For the Chaat:
2 cups roasted makhana (fox nuts or lotus seeds)
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
1 cup cucumber, finely chopped
1/2 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
For the Chaat Dressing:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
Sendha Salt to taste
Method:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted makhana, roasted peanuts, chopped cucumber, tomatoes,green chili, coriander leaves, and mint leaves.
In a separate small bowl, prepare the chaat dressing by mixing lemon juice, roasted cumin powder and sendha salt.
Drizzle the chaat dressing over the chaat ingredients in the mixing bowl.
Gently toss everything together until the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
Taste the chaat and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice, salt to suit your taste.
Let the chaat sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Value:
Calories: 250 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 4g
Health Benefits:
Rich in Protein: Peanuts and makhana are good sources of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
High in Fiber: The chaat contains a good amount of dietary fiber from the makhana, peanuts, and vegetables, promoting digestion and helping you feel full for longer.
Nutrient-Rich: Cucumber, tomatoes, and mint provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, while being low in calories.
Gluten-Free: This chaat is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Good for Digestion: The inclusion of mint and cumin in the dressing can aid in digestion and reduce bloating.
Refreshing and Hydrating: Cucumber is high in water content, helping to keep you hydrated during fasting periods.
Dinner
Recipe Name: Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients:
500g pumpkin, peeled and cubed
2-3 cups water
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp ghee or oil (use ghee for a traditional recipe, or oil for a vegan option)
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Method:
In a large pot, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and sauté until they start to sizzle.
Add the pumpkin cubes and sauté for a few minutes.
Add the ground spices – black pepper, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger. Stir well to coat the pumpkin.
Pour in enough water to cover the pumpkin, and add a pinch of salt.
Cover the pot and let the pumpkin simmer until it’s tender, usually about 15-20 minutes.
Once the pumpkin is soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
Return the pureed soup to the pot and add the coconut milk
Stir and heat the soup until it’s warm.
Taste and adjust salt and spices if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
Calories: 150
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Health Benefits:
Pumpkin is a rich source of beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant and helps support good vision and overall immune health.
The spices used in this soup, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium.