Navratri foods: Why starve when you can feast on nutritious delights

Smart swaps and mindful meals can make Navratri fasting feel like a reset instead of a struggle. Here’s how to fuel your body with energy, balance, and flavour. (Image: Pexels)

The nine day festival of Navratri, is just a few days away. From soulfully decorated pooja pandals to energetic garba claps and the rhythmic clinking of dandias, the celebrations will keep you in high spirits.

Fasting is also a significant part of this festival. If not done right, it can feel more like starving. Navratri fasting doesn’t have to leave you drained. With smart food choices and hydration, you can stay energised and light throughout the nine days, and nights. The secret lies not in skipping meals but choosing the right foods in the right way. From nuts and fruits to juices and dairy, here’s a list of nutrition-packed options to help you enjoy the festival without compromising on health or flavour.

Here’s how to keep your energy soaring through all nine days: 

Ditch the fast food: Rather than seeing fasting as a time of restriction, think of it as a reset for your body. The trick is to fuel up with small, frequent meals packed with nutrition. These foods won’t just keep your belly full but also support your energy levels, digestion, and glow (yes, that Navratri glow is a real thing).

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Protein-packed nuts: Dal and meat may be off the plate, but almonds, walnuts, and peanuts step in as your protein pals. Just a handful won’t cut it—make sure you're having enough to truly meet your body’s needs.

Seasonal fruits: Keep the skins on and the nutrients in. Apples, grapes, and strawberries (even sweet potatoes count) offer antioxidants and fibre to keep things moving inside.

Boiled and raw veggies: Fried foods are tasty but unhealthy. Try boiled or steamed bottle gourd, spinach, and sweet potato give you vitamins without the grease. Add rock salt for flavour without guilt.

Hydrate and heal: Ditch the cartons. Go for homemade juices with cucumber, carrot, or tomato. Add buttermilk or coconut water for a refreshing twist that battles acidity.

Milk and dairy:  Swap your morning tea for a glass of milk. Add curds, paneer, and milkshakes to your meals. Make raita or kheer for something traditional yet healthy.

Soups and salads: After dancing your heart out at Garba, Dandia nights, a light veg soup can be just what your body needs to recharge.

Sweet  treats: A little sugar before physical activity is fine—think halwa, sandesh, or fruit chaat. But keep it within 3-4 teaspoons a day.

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Buckwheat and beyond: Rotis or pancakes made from kutta atta (buckwheat) or singhare-ka-aata (chestnut flour) are better than deep fried snacks, choose sabudana (tapioca) khichadi over sabudana vada. Always.

Hydration: never underestimate the power of drinking water. Hydration is important. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses every day to stay energised, active, and also to avoid headaches.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.