NAVRATRI is one of the favourite festivals of Mumbai Kars and Guajarati’s.
There is worship, dance, joy, good clothes, good food and much more… main
focus on fasting and feasting. This is the time Non-vegetarians switch over
to Vegetarian diets, there is more indulgence in high-calorie carbohydrates
due to lack of proteins. This might lead to muscle loss and sluggish
metabolism. It may seem like a good weight loss plan while dancing and
fasting. The repercussions can be bouncing back the original weight or even
more than the original.
So then, how should we really take care of HEALTHY EATING during this
period of nine days and have a HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS which will last for a
longer time? (Giving less muscle loss and more fat loss).
Here are some Dietary Guidelines which will help in Healthy Weight loss:
• Eating small but frequent meals throughout the day– This is the best
way to keep the metabolic rate elevated throughout the day.
• Drinking a lot of fluids – This will keep your body hydrated and skin
beautiful throughout the day.
• Detoxification – To kick start the day in a healthy way, a detoxification
approach has to be there in the morning. Having green tea, coconut
water, lemon water is very helpful in this case.
• Eating Healthy Carbs – As the protein intake is less these days, it is
always better to switch over to healthy and low-calorie carbs that
include fruits and vegetable soups – a rich source of fibre.
• Choosing Healthy Cooking ways – Using less oil on non-stick or
shallow frying is the best way to cook fasting foods. Preparations done
in Olive oil will be the finest way.
• Having ample sleep – A good sleep of 7 to 8 hours is a must. A power
nap of half an hour in the afternoons does wonders too.
• Eating a light meal in the dinner – Food must be eaten much before the
dance. At the same time, having lighter meals always helps in playing
the Garba energetically.
Though Navratri festival is a good opportunity to lose weight and inches, it is
important to wisely choose food options with appropriate timings.
Some 5 BEST foods that can be eaten during the fasts:
- AMARANTH – Popularly known as “Rajgira”. Its Fiber content is 3
times that in whole wheat, so completely gluten-free. Good source of
protein-packed with essential amino acids “lysine” and “methionine”.
Also, containing minerals like iron and calcium.
RECIPE FOR AMARANTH PORRIDGE — Boil half cup of water, add half cup
amaranth flour. Simmer it for 30 mins. Stir frequently. Add 1/4th cup milk. Stir
vigorously, till it becomes creamy. Add half teaspoon sugar and add almonds
if required. Relish. - BUCKWHEAT – It is called “Kuttu” in India. Rich in “iron”, “zinc” and
“selenium”. Free of gluten. Packed with protein containing amino-acids
“lysine”, “threonine” and “tryptophan”
RECIPE FOR BUCKWHEAT DOSA — Add water to kuttu flour till the
paste/batter is free-flowing. Add green chillies, rock salt, curry leaves. You
can add lemon juice also, little sugar to make the dosa crisp. Pour the batter
on a non-stick pan with little oil/ghee. Cook till the edges loosen. Turn the
other side and cook till brown spots appear on the dosa. Relish with curds. - SWEET POTATO – An excellent source of Vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B6.
Also, rich in potassium, manganese and fiber.
RECIPE FOR SWEET POTATO HALWA — Pressure-cook 2-3 sweet
potatoes for 4 whistles. Peel and mash them. Heat little (1tsp) oil/ghee in a
non-stick pan, add mashed sweet potatoes and sauté them for 2 mins. Add
milk, 1tbsp sugar-free, half cup water, elaichi powder and simmer for 2mins.
The water in the mixture should nearly be evaporated. Add almonds. Relish. - SURAN – Also known as “Jimikand”. Rich source of antioxidants,
vitamin B6, minerals iron, magnesium, and calcium. Good for reducing
bad cholesterol and improves the digestive system.
RECIPE FOR SURAN PATTIES — Heat 2tsp of oil in a non-stick pan. Add
jeera, green chillies, boiled and mashed potatoes, suran and peanuts. Roast
for 1 min. Cool it, add rock salt, little sugar (for crispness), little lemon juice.
Make patties in the shape of this mixture. Shallow fry on the non-stick pan.
You can use singhara atta to wrap the patties before frying. Relish with curds. - VARI RICE – It’s also known as “Samo”. Good source of fibre. It has a
low glycemic index, so no starch/simple sugars (like in sabudana). Rich
source of magnesium, Vitamin B3. Also, gluten-free, easy to digest.
RECIPE FOR VARI PULAO — Wash Vari rice in water. Drain out the water
completely. Heat little oil in a non-stick pan. Add jeera and green chillies. Add
vari and sauté for 2 mins. Add rock salt and little water, till the rice gets
cooked. Add crushed peanuts to it. You can garnish with coriander leaves.
Relish with curds.
EAT BETTER, STAY HEALTHY!
