Healthy Navratri Diet: Tips to replace fried food

Foods allowed during the Navratri fast include fried snacks like puris and chips. While these help you stay full during your fast, they can lead to unhealthy weight gain. A healthy Navratri diet includes balanced meals and good hydration. Replacing fried foods with more nutritious options can help you stay fit during this time. Be sure to include complex carbs, proteins and healthy fats in your routine. In addition, taking care of your hydration by drinking plenty of water, coconut water and buttermilk can help you stay healthy. Choosing foods such as roasted makhana as well as fruit salads and vegetable stir-fries can help you increase fiber and nutrients.

Why is fried food unhealthy?

Fasting during Navratri can lead to weight gain if you eat the wrong foods and at the wrong times. During fasting, it is important to avoid fried foods to maintain energy levels and support overall health, says dietician Kejal Shah.

A study published in the European Food Research and Technology says that fried foods are often high in calories, and contain unfavorable compounds. Fried foods lead to the formation of toxic substances. Following are some fried items that you should avoid as part of your healthy Navratri diet:

• Pakoras and bhajiyas
• Puris
• Vadas
• Samosas
• Fried papads
• Chips and fries
• Packaged namkeens and other flavors

In fact, not only can you have a healthy Navratri diet, but you can also lose weight during Navratri if you eat the right food items.

Tips to replace fried food this Navratri

Just because fasting is healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite things. Changing the quantity as well as the cooking style can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips for your healthy Navratri diet.

1. No more puris

Although we love our puris, they are deep fried and can be very unhealthy. Therefore, try to use kuttu or rajgira flour and make rotis and parathas. This will use less oil and are healthier than puris.

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2. Makhaanas over pakodas

You can choose healthier snacks like roasted makhanas or peanuts over pakoras. Pakoras are again deep fried and can make you gain weight. So, avoiding these will help in making your Navratri diet healthy. This will also help you avoid acidity during Navratri.

3. Grill or bake instead of frying

If you are still craving for sabudana vadas, opt for another cooking method. Instead of frying the vadas, you can try baking them. These are healthier and tastier too! You can also try cooking these in the air fryer.

4. Opt for steamed snacks

You can also help by changing snacking options from fried foods to steamed foods. Opt for samak idlis or rajgira dhokla, says Shah. These will be lighter on the stomach and easier to digest.

5. Go for baked chips

If you love chips and love to snack on them during Navratri, then try to go for baked chips. Baked sweet potato chips or banana chips are a great alternative to regular potato chips.

6. Snack on nuts and seeds

Snacking on roasted nuts and seeds will not only help ease those hunger pangs but also help you get your daily intake of protein and fat. So make sure to eat these during your Navratri diet plan.

7. Fruit snacks

If you don’t fancy plain fruit, incorporating these into smoothies or smoothies is also a great option. These will be a good snack, and will also help you increase your fiber intake.

8. Ratio of oil

Low-oil stir-fries are a great choice for your main course. Make stir-fried vegetables with minimal oil.

These options will keep your meals light and healthy during fasting.

What foods should you be sure to eat during Navratri?

During Navratri, it is important to focus on nutrient dense foods to stay energetic and healthy. Here are the foods you should include:

What are the best times to eat during Navratri?

To stay healthy during fasting, it is essential to time your meals properly to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Here are the best times to eat a healthy Navratri diet:

1. Meal before dawn

You can start your day with a light, balanced meal that includes complex carbs, fruits and hydrating foods. Foods such as buckwheat porridge, yoghurt, nuts and fruit can help keep you fuller for longer.

2. Mid-morning snack (between 10-11 AM)

If you are hungry before lunch, have a light snack such as fruit, roasted makhana, or nuts to keep your energy up. This will help keep the hunger cravings under control.

3. Lunch (between 12-2 PM)

Include high-fiber grains like samak rice, quinoa, or amaranth with vegetables or a dairy-based dish like paneer or buttermilk. This will help keep you full for longer.

4. Afternoon snack (around 4 pm)

For an afternoon snack, you can try sweet potato chaat, baked vada sabudana, or a glass of buttermilk that helps curb hunger pangs.

5. Evening meal (after sunset)

You must ensure that the day ends with a light, balanced dinner. Choose items like baked vegetable tikkis, kuttu paratha, or sabudana khichdi.

6. Hydration during the day

Drink plenty of water, coconut water, or herbal teas to stay hydrated. This is very important to keep your energy levels high as well.

Summary

Replacing fried foods in your Navratri diet is a great way to break fast in a healthy way. This diet will not only help you lose weight, but you will also feel energetic. In addition, eating regularly and choosing for light, nutrient-dense foods to keep your energy levels stable and help you avoid overindulgence after breaking the fast.