Navratri 2019: Fasting on Navratri? Munch on THESE snacks to maintain your health

Navratri is celebrated with fervour, dance and colours across India. Garba, which is popular during Navratri, is performed at various places in the country. Both men and women wear traditional attire and jewellery. And apart from Garba people also observe fasts on Navratri, as a form of gratitude to Goddess Durga. However, because of fasting for 9 consecutive days, our immune system tends to weaken, and hence, it's important to maintain a healthy diet even during fasts.

Staying away from certain foods can help us stay fit and active during Navratri. Here are some snack items that are nutritional and easy on the digestive system. Consuming this will help you enjoy festive fasting without compromising on your health. 

Chiwda:

Chiwda is a snack that helps in preventing iron deficiency. It's light on the stomach and can be consumed even with tea. When mixed with nuts, it becomes more nutritious and is a perfect snack option for fasting. Another healthy snack variation made with chiwda is poha, which offers essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and folate.

Home-made juice:

Home-made juices are full of fibre and vitamins and are perfect energy boosters. Add kiwi to juice since kiwi is an excellent source of fibre, antioxidants, vitamin C and polyphenols. These juices will be healthy and preservative-free. 

Dry fruit ladoos:

People who love sweet can much on dried fruit ladoos while fasting. These ladoos are loaded with dry fruit, and hence, it makes them a healthy snack option. They have essential nutrients such as potassium, vitamins E and B-6, calcium and magnesium, i.e. everything required to maintain your energy level throughout the day. 

Sabudana:

Sabudana is a common food item that's consumed by people during fasting. It's a rich source of protein and is important for building bones and muscles. People keeping fasts have lesser protein-rich options, which makes sabudana a great option to keep you energetic. You can consume, Sabunna in the form of tikki, kheer and khichdi. 

Dried fruits:

Dried fruits like kiwi, prunes, apricots, figs, black currants, raisins, blueberries and dates are essential power packs to grab this Navratri. These munchies help to maintain blood pressure levels during fasts and are packed with fibre and antioxidants, which keep you full for longer durations. 

Makhana:

Makhana or fox is consumed in a roasted form and is a good source of carbs. Its low-fat content makes it the perfect snack to boost energy during days-long fasts. These nuts are rich in several minerals, such as magnesium and potassium that are necessary to sustain the functioning of the body.

This Navratri, don't forget to snack on these healthy snacks while you fast and enjoy the season with zeal.