Diet Plan During Navratri

Diet Plan During Navratri : 

During Navratri, many people observe fasting, and they follow a "falhari" diet, which typically consists of foods that are allowed during fasting in Hindu traditions. It's essential to know the specific fasting rules you're following, as they can vary by region and individual preferences. Here's a list of common foods and ingredients that are typically allowed during a falhari diet:

Allowed Foods and Ingredients:

1. Fruits: You can have a variety of fruits like bananas, apples, pomegranates, and oranges.

2. Veggies: Vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and colocasia (arbi) are often allowed.

3. Singhare ka Atta: Water chestnut flour is a common fasting ingredient and can be used to make rotis or parathas.

4. Sabudana: Tapioca pearls, often used to make Sabudana Khichdi and Sabudana Vada.

5. Kuttu ka Atta: Buckwheat flour is used to make dishes like Kuttu Roti or Kuttu Puri.

6. Milk and Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and products like paneer (cottage cheese) are generally allowed.

7. Dry Fruits: Almonds, cashews, raisins, and other nuts can be consumed.

8. Makhana: Fox nuts or lotus seeds are commonly used in various fasting recipes.

9. Ghee: Clarified butter is used for cooking and flavor.

10. Sendha Namak (Rock Salt): Regular salt is avoided, and sendha namak is used as a seasoning.

Common Falhari Recipes:

1. Sabudana Khichdi: Made from soaked sabudana, peanuts, and spices. It's a popular fasting dish.

2. Aloo Ki Sabzi: Potatoes are commonly used in fasting recipes. You can make a simple potato curry with sendha namak and spices.

3. Kuttu Paratha: Buckwheat flour parathas are a delicious and filling option for breakfast or lunch.

4. Makhana Raita: Roasted makhana can be added to yogurt along with sendha namak and cumin powder.

5. Fruit Chaat: Mix various fruits with a sprinkle of sendha namak and black pepper for a refreshing snack.

6. Singhare ke Pakode: Make fritters using water chestnut flour, water, and your choice of spices.

7. Sama Rice Pulao: Cook sama rice (barnyard millet) with vegetables, sendha namak, and mild spices.

8. Desserts: Sweets like Kheer (rice pudding), Sabudana Kheer, and fruits with honey or yogurt are common choices.

During Navratri, many people observe fasts and follow specific dietary restrictions. The exact rules and food choices can vary among individuals and regions, but here's a general diet plan for Navratri, keeping in mind the common dietary restrictions:

Morning (Suhoor/Fasting Meal):

1. Fruit Salad:

   • A bowl of assorted fruits such as bananas, apples, pomegranate, and grapes.
   • You can sprinkle some rock salt and black pepper for flavor.

2. Sabudana Khichdi:

   • Sabudana (tapioca pearls) cooked with peanuts, green chilies, and a bit of ghee (clarified butter).
   • Season with rock salt (sendha namak).

3. Tea or Coffee:

   • Opt for herbal or green tea, or black coffee without milk or sugar.

Mid-Morning Snack:

4. Makhana (Fox Nuts):
   • A small handful of roasted makhana.

Lunch (Main Meal):

5. Kuttu Roti (Buckwheat Flatbread):

   • Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) roti, served with aloo (potato) curry or raita (yogurt with herbs and spices).

6. Fruit Salad:

   • A serving of fruit salad as a side dish.

Evening Snack:

7. Roasted Nuts:
   • A small portion of mixed nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews.

Dinner:

8. Sama Rice Khichdi:

   • Sama rice (barnyard millet) cooked with boiled potatoes and groundnuts.
   • Season with rock salt and mild spices.

9. Yogurt with Cucumber:

   • A simple cucumber raita made with yogurt, cucumber, and a pinch of sendha namak.

Before Bed:

10. Fruit or Herbal Tea:
    • A soothing cup of fruit tea or herbal tea, without sugar.

General Guidelines:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt during Navratri fasts.
• Avoid onions, garlic, and grains like wheat and rice during this period.
• Customize your fasting plan based on personal preferences and regional traditions.
• If you're observing strict fasts, you may consume only water or fruits during the day and have a single meal at night.