If you want a healthy Navratri crash diet, the first thing you should eliminate from your diet should be fried foods. Read on to learn how to do this.
Foods allowed during Navratri fast usually include fried snacks like mash and french fries. While these can help you stay full during fasting, they can also cause you to gain unhealthy weight. A healthy Navratri diet consists of 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 carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats in your routine. In addition, paying attention to your fluid intake by drinking plenty of water, coconut water and buttermilk can help you stay healthy. Choosing foods like roasted makhana, as well as fruit salads and vegetable stir-fries, can help load you up with fiber and nutrients.
Why are fried foods unhealthy?
Fasting during Navratri can cause you to gain weight if you eat the wrong foods and at the wrong times. Dietician Kejal Shah says it’s important to avoid fried foods to maintain energy levels and support overall health during fasting.
A study published in European Food Research and Technology states that fried foods are often high in calories and contain negative compounds. Frying food leads to the formation of toxic substances. Here are some fried foods you should avoid as part of your healthy Navratri diet:
- Pakoras and bhajiyas
- Puritans
- vadas
- samosas
- Fried Papads
- Chips and fries
- Packaged namkeens and other salty foods
In fact, you can not only follow a healthy Navratri diet but also lose weight during Navratri if you eat the right food items.
Tips to replace fried foods this Navratri
Just because fasting is healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite items. Varying the cooking style as well as the quantity can make a big difference. Here are some practical tips for your healthy Navratri diet.
1. No more naivety
Although we love our puris, they are deep fried and can be very unhealthy. So try using kuttu or rajgira flour and making rotis and parathas. This will use less oil and be healthier than puris.
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2. Pakodas versus Makhanas
Instead of pakora, you can choose healthier snacks such as roasted makhana or peanuts. Pakoras are again deep fried and can cause you to gain weight. So avoiding these will help you make your Navratri diet healthy. This will also help you avoid acidification during Navratri.
3. Grill or bake instead of frying
If you still crave your sabudana vada, opt for a different cooking method. Instead of frying the vadas, you can try baking them in the oven. These are both healthier and tastier! You can also try cooking them in the air fryer.
4. Choose steamed snacks
Changing the curl options from fried to steamed foods may also help. Opt for samak idlis or rajgira dhokla, says Shah. These will be lighter on the stomach and easier to digest.
5. Choose baked chips
If you like chips and like to snack on chips during Navratri, try eating baked chips. Baked sweet potatoes or banana chips are a great choice over regular potatoes.
6. A snack of nuts and seeds
Snacking on roasted nuts and seeds not only eases hunger pangs but also helps you meet your daily protein and fat intake. So make sure to consume these during your Navratri diet plan.
7. Fruit snacks
If you don’t like plain fruits, including them in chaats or smoothies can also be a great option. These will make a good snack and will also help increase your fiber intake.
8. Proportion the oil
Low-fat fries are a great option for your main course. Prepare the fried vegetables using a small amount of oil.
These options will keep your meals light and healthy while fasting.
What are the foods you must eat during Navratri?
To stay energized and healthy during Navratri, it is important to focus on nutrient-dense foods. Here are the nutrients you need to add:
What are the best times to eat during Navratri?
To stay healthy during fasting, it’s important to time your meals correctly to maintain your energy levels throughout the day. The best times to eat a healthy Navratri diet are:
1. Pre-dawn meal
You can start the day with a light, balanced meal containing complex carbohydrates, fruits and hydrating foods. Foods such as buckwheat porridge, yoghurt, nuts and fruits can help you stay full for longer.
2. Lunch (between 10-11)
If you’re hungry before lunch, have a light snack like fruit, roasted makhana or nuts to keep your energy up. This will help keep hunger cravings under control.
3. Lunch (between 12-14.00)
Add high-fiber grains like samak rice, quinoa or amaranth to vegetables or a dairy-based dish like paneer or buttermilk. This will help you stay full for longer.
4. Afternoon snack (around 16.00)
For an afternoon snack, you can try sweet potato chaat, baked sabudana vada or a glass of buttermilk to help ease hunger pangs.
5. Dinner (after sunset)
You should make sure you end the day with a light and balanced dinner. Choose items like baked vegetable tikkis, kuttu paratha or sabudana khichdi.
6. Fluid intake throughout the day
Drink plenty of water, coconut water or herbal teas to stay hydrated. This is also very important to keep your energy levels high.
Summary
Replacing fried foods in your Navratri diet is a great way to fast in a healthy way. This diet will not only help you lose weight, but you will also feel energetic. In addition, eating at regular intervals and choosing light, nutrient-dense foods will keep your energy levels stable and help you avoid overconsumption after iftar.