Celebrity Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar’s 9 Navratri Diet Tips

Navratri, although a festival of fasting, also ends up one of feasting for some people. They tend to indulge in eating fried food within the norms of the festival. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar recently shared a few diet tips for healthy eating during Navratri.

Navratri meals, if followed in the right pattern, can empower women with nutrients that can make them physically stronger and also create a hormonal balance says the caption of her Instagram post, NDTV reported.

1. Dry fruits, milk and paneer

The daily diet should have dried fruits, nuts, milk and paneer. They are rich sources of protein, are safe for weight loss diet, help build muscles and prevent any wear and tear in the body.

2. Aloo ki kheer (potato pudding)/ shakarkandi ki chaat (sweet potato salad)/ sabudana khichdi

Tuber veggies like potato and sweet potato provide energy to the body and help in easing digestion. Cook them in the way they have been traditionally cooked in your family. Avoid using too much oil, salt or sugar.

3. Amaranth ki roti

Amaranth or rajgira flour contains a good amount of lysine, which can help in the absorption of calcium. This grain is a rich source of fibre, phytosterols and oils that can be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation, the report said.

4. Water chestnut (singhara) roti

It is rich in Vitamins B, E, potassium, zinc and much more. All of these are coolants that can help in detoxifying the system. You can make puris, chapattis or pakoras from singhare ka atta.

5. Kuttu (buckwheat) ki kadhi

Buckwheat is a delicious grain, commonly consumed during Navratri. Kuttu has fertility improving and detoxifying properties

6. Mordhan (barnyard millet)

This grain can be used for several preparations during the festival. The flour can be used for preparing rotis, puris or pakoras.

7. Banana atta

Raw banana or green banana is a part of multiple Navratri dishes, says Diwekar. The fruit can be stir-fried, boiled, steamed, deep-fried, curried or mashed. The flour of raw banana can further be used for numerous preparations like puris and rotis. Raw banana is a rich source of fibre and is great for those suffering from digestion or bowel issues.

8. Makhanas

Makhanas or fox nuts are like the ideal low-fat Navratri snack. It is also low in sodium and cholesterol. Low sodium content is good for high blood pressure patients. Makhanas have a low glycemic index, which makes them beneficial for people with diabetes. According to Ayurveda, makhana has astringent properties that can help in keeping the kidneys healthy.

9. Shikanji (lemonade)/ lassi (buttermilk)

These are hydrating drinks with a rich antioxidant profile. They can help in detoxification and also help in boosting immunity.