During Hindu fasting, people follow a satvik diet and avoid certain vegetables like onion, garlic, okra, brinjal, and mushrooms, irrespective of whether they are observing a fast or not. People who observe a fast during Navratri can choose from a variety of vrat-friendly flours, vegetables, fruits, spices, etc while avoiding wheat, rice, semolina, maida, corn flour, legumes, and pulses among others. Here are some foods that people eat while they are fasting:
- Samvat ke chawal (banyard millet)
- Kuttu ke aata (buckwheat flour)
- Sabudana or sago
- Rajgira
- Singhare ka aata (water chestnut flour)
- Potatoes
- Sweet potato
- Bottle gourd (lauki)
- Arbi
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- All kinds of fruits from banana, apple, watermelon, papaya, grapes among others
For protein intake, one must include paneer in their diet for satiety and keeping those hunger pangs away. Vegetables and fruits like potatoes, sweet potato, bottle gourd (lauki), arbi, pumpkin, spinach, bottle gourd, cucumber, carrots, and all kinds of fruits from banana, apple, watermelon, papaya, grapes among others must be included in the diet for the mandatory dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This will ensure good health and immunity as you fast and also keep you well hydrated.
It is important to note that fasting does not mean eating the same food every day. One can try different recipes and food items while fasting. For example, one can make a light khichdi using amaranth grains if they are eating one meal in the day. Porridge can be tried as a breakfast option. One can use the flour to make light chappatis. Dry fruits like dates, raisins, and dried apricots all make for good munching options. Sabudana is loaded with carbs or starch, which helps refuel the body with lost energy. This makes sabudana a preferred food ingredient during Navratri fasting. One can make khichdi, kheer, papad, and much more from this wonderful ingredient.
