Flavoured Buttermilk (Chaas)
Flavoured Buttermilk, also known as Chaas, provides a light and refreshing start or mid-day break during Navratri. This beverage is crafted from buttermilk
and blended with light spices and herbs, making it easily digestible and an excellent choice for those observing the fast. Chaas is typically infused with roasted cumin powder or ginger. Cumin's digestive benefits contribute to the ease with which the drink is consumed. It's a low-calorie drink, so it fits seamlessly into a fasting diet without weighing you down. It also helps keep you hydrated, essential for managing daily tasks efficiently. The availability of this drink makes it a simple yet vital addition to the diet, aiding in smooth functioning while fasting.
Sabudana Vadas
Sabudana Vadas, a popular fasting food, offer a delicious and filling option. They are made from tapioca pearls (sabudana), mashed potatoes, and seasoned with spices, then either air-fried or pan-fried. This method ensures that it stays healthy. During Navratri, the vadas provide both energy and satisfaction, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a substantial meal. Air-frying or pan-frying sabudana vadas enables the preparation of a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft inside. The inclusion of potatoes adds heartiness, ensuring that the vadas are capable of keeping one full for several hours. These can be easily packed for work, and are an excellent, quick option for an office lunch.
Makhana Roast
Makhana, or fox nuts, are another excellent snack for Navratri, and roasting them is a straightforward process. This snack is rich in nutrients and offers a satisfying crunch. Roasting makhana involves dry roasting the fox nuts until they become crispy. This preparation enhances their natural flavour, making them more appetizing. The roasting process ensures that the makhana achieves a delightful texture, perfect for a quick snack during a busy day. They can be easily spiced with salt, black pepper, or other fasting-friendly spices to enhance the flavour, providing a flavorful snack that's also very nutritious and suitable for your office routine.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a simple dish that is easy to make and it is a popular fasting food choice. Made from soaked sabudana, potatoes, and spices, this dish provides a combination of carbs for energy and a satisfying texture. The process of making it includes soaking the sabudana overnight. Potatoes are cut into small pieces and sautéed with spices. The soaked sabudana is then combined with the potatoes and cooked until soft. Adding cumin seeds and green chilies gives it a nice flavour. The dish is naturally easy to digest, making it a good option for the times when you need to be active but still need to eat something. It’s light on the stomach and an easily portable option, making it a go-to meal for those hectic office days.
Sweet Potato Chaat
Sweet Potato Chaat provides a tasty, sweet, and savoury option to enjoy during your fast. This is usually prepared by boiling or roasting sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes are then cut into pieces and mixed with spices and lemon juice to give it a tang. This dish offers both the energy and nutrients needed for a long day. This chaat is perfect for a quick lunch or snack at the office. It is very simple to prepare. The sweet potatoes provide a healthy dose of energy. Using spices like cumin and coriander not only enriches the flavor but also enhances digestion, making it a fulfilling choice during fasting.
Fruit & Nut Mix
A Fruit and Nut Mix is one of the most straightforward ways to have a healthy snack on hand during the Navratri. Combining fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges with dry nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts, this mix offers a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The mix is high in fiber and provides sustained energy release, which helps in avoiding hunger and maintaining high energy levels throughout your work day. The fruit offers natural sugars, while nuts provide healthy fats and protein. This combination is excellent for curbing cravings and keeping your energy levels high, and easy to prepare beforehand and carry to work.
Rajgira Laddoos
Rajgira Laddoos, made from amaranth flour, offer a delicious and healthy treat for Navratri fasting. These laddoos are typically sweetened with jaggery or sugar. The amaranth flour is roasted, mixed with sweetener, and shaped into small balls. This treats are not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients. Laddoos are a source of slow-releasing carbs, offering lasting energy, making them excellent for office days. They can be made in larger batches and kept for several days. These are small, easy to carry, and provide that much-needed energy boost during your work hours.
Dry Coconut & Peanut Chutney
Dry Coconut & Peanut Chutney with Cucumbers is a versatile accompaniment to your Navratri meals. This chutney is typically prepared by grinding dried coconut, roasted peanuts, green chilies, and other spices together. Adding cucumbers enhances the freshness, which is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. The mixture adds flavor and nutrients to your diet. This chutney can be paired with Kuttu Paratha or Sabudana Khichdi for a flavorful and balanced meal during your office hours. The peanuts provide protein and healthy fats, while coconut adds texture and taste. It provides a good balance of taste and nutrition.
Kuttu Paratha
Kuttu Paratha (buckwheat pancake) is a filling and satisfying option, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Kuttu flour, also known as buckwheat flour, is used to make the paratha. These parathas are generally filled with grated potatoes and seasoned with spices. They are then either pan-fried or grilled. They offer a good source of energy and essential nutrients, making it a great choice to start your day. This can be easily combined with a simple curd or dry chutney for a balanced and complete meal. The preparation allows for it to be easily packed and transported to the office, making it a great choice for busy days. It gives you a substantial meal that keeps you full for long hours.
Quick & Easy Fasting Tips
Beyond specific dishes, some tips can help you maintain your fast with ease. Planning your meals in advance saves time and ensures you have healthy options available at the office. Prepping ingredients, such as chopping vegetables, roasting nuts, and making chutneys beforehand, simplifies the cooking process. Staying hydrated with water and beverages like buttermilk is also critical for managing energy levels. Avoid overeating, consume small, frequent meals to keep your energy levels stable. By planning and preparing beforehand, you can successfully integrate fasting foods into your office routine, remaining energized throughout the day.
