Navratri is one of the most popular festivals in India, especially when ‘Mata Ke Bhakt’ observes fasts for nine days. They eat a special healthy diet for Navratri, called Swastik Bhojan, included potatoes, sabudana, kuttu, fruits, and more selected items.
This pure vegetarian diet limits protein sources; therefore, it is also important to include plant or dairy protein in your diet to stay healthy and Garba-like energetic.
Therefore, Aap Ka Bazar says that by choosing the right foods, you can enjoy fasting without missing important nutrients. So, let’s know first…
Why Is Protein Important During Navratri?
Protein is an important nutrient that helps repair body tissues, build muscles, support weight management, and brain health as well. During Navratri, Varti (Upvasi) often eat more carbohydrate-rich foods and may not get enough protein. Therefore, adding rich protein food to your meals can help you stay full for a whole day of puja and maintain energy for a Garba Night. The following are considered the best protein-rich foods for Navratri fasts…
1. Paneer
Paneer, which means cottage cheese, is a good source of protein and is easy to include in Vrat or Upwas. You can prepare paneer bhurji WITHOUT ONION & GARLIC…
Make paneer tikka WITHOUT ADDING TAMSIK SPICES…
Or use paneer as a filling for fasting-friendly chillas WITHOUT USING BESAN OR REGULAR ATTA.
Please Note: Besan (gram flour), atta (regular wheat flour), maida (refined wheat flour), and suji (semolina) are not considered suitable for tamsik bhojan; therefore, use vrat-suitable flours like kuttu atta (buckwheat flour), singhara atta (water chestnut flour), or rajgira atta (amarnath flour).
2. Curd and Greek Yogurt
Dahi, which means curd is a healthy option for lunch or snacks because it provides protein and calcium. While Greek yogurt usually contains more protein than regular curd, but standard curd gives higher calcium compounds per serving. You can eat plain curd with your healthy diet for Navratri fast BESIDES OIL-SOAKED SNACKS.
Mix yogurt with fruits WITHOUT ADDING CITRUS FRUITS…
Or eat regular dahi with nuts WITHOUT ADDING INCOMPATIBLE DRY FRUIT NUTS (viruddha Ahara)
3. Milk
Milk is another easy way to get protein during fasting, because milk also provides high calcium. This compound is important for healthy bones and teeth. You can drink a glass of chilled milk in the morning for freshness, or warm milk at the end of the day for better sleep.
Please Note: A banana milkshake is another option, but try to have it with honey or with limited sugar.
4. Nuts and Seeds
Premium quality almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds contain natural protein and healthy fat compounds. They make a good snack in a healthy diet for Navratri fast. You can also add them to yogurt, as mentioned above…
Or enjoy a small handful of dry fruits for snacks when you feel hungry.
5. Kuttu and Rajgira
Kuttu Atta (buckwheat flour) and rajgira atta (amaranth flour) are commonly eaten during a healthy diet for Navratri fast. They contain some plant protein along with carbohydrates naturally. You can prepare kuttu roti, rajgira chilla, or pancakes-chila. Eating them with paneer fillings or fresh dahi can make your ‘Vrat Ka Khana’ more balanced.
Please Note: The above-mentioned flours are used in preparing Navratri Bhog as well. Atta halwa & kuttu puri are the best option for both ‘Pandal & Privaar’.
6. Makhana As A Healthy Diet For Navratri Fast
Phool Makhana, also known as fox nuts, is a popular fasting snack, especially for Dwarka Sector 19 people. Here is Aap Ka Bazar’s new grocery store, offering premium phool makhana with a buy 1 get 1 free offer.
You can have home delivery too through its Monthly Grocery App and roast phool makhana with a little ghee. Enjoy it in the evening before going for Durga Puja or a Garba Party. Although it contains some protein and has rich antioxidant effects, pairing best with milk or curd. These Navratri snacks can help increase the protein content of your protein powered diet.
Sample Protein-Rich Navratri Diet Plan
Here is a simple diet plan you can follow according to your fasting rules:
- Breakfast: Have paneer chilla or curd with almonds to include protein-rich foods in your first meal.
- Mid-morning: A glass of milk or a handful of lightly roasted nuts instead of deep-fried foods.
- Lunch: Kuttu roti with curd & paneer tikka with fasting-permitted vegetables for more vitamins and fibre.
- Evening snack: Roasted makhana with milk to avoid adding too much sugar or caffeine.
- Dinner: Rajgira chilla or simply follow your family’s fasting rules while choosing ingredients.
Please Note: Stay hydrated. Drink enough water throughout the day and keep adjusting your meal portions according to your hunger, activity level, and devotional beliefs.
If you have any medical history or health condition such as diabetes issue, kidney disease, or BP imbalance, so consult a healthcare professional or a family doctor before fasting all 9 days. Before making major changes to your diet or fasting routine, keep your health on the first.
Thanks to Aap Ka Bazar for making our Bhakti more divine, pure, and protein-rich. Now, having a healthy diet during Navratri can be more simple, more nutritious, and budget-friendly too.
With a few healthy food choices, you can enjoy Buy 1 Get 1 Free Navratri Offers on Vrat Snacks. #happynavratri #happyshopping
