Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana khichdi, a staple during Navratri, is a great source of carbohydrates and offers sustained energy for a busy day at the office. Preparing this
dish is quite simple. First, the sabudana (tapioca pearls) should be soaked in water until they soften. Then, they are mixed with ingredients such as boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts, and a mix of spices like cumin seeds and green chilies. Ghee is often used to add flavor. The cooked sabudana is then seasoned with salt and lemon juice. It’s a quick dish that will keep you full and energetic throughout the day, making it ideal for fasting.
Makhana Snacks
Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, are a light and healthy snack that's perfect for the office. You can roast makhana with a little ghee and spices like black pepper or sendha namak (rock salt). Alternatively, you can find pre-made flavored makhana snacks in the market. Makhana provides a good source of protein and fiber, keeping you feeling full and preventing mid-day hunger pangs, which makes it a convenient and nutritious choice for fasting.
Fruit Chaat
A refreshing fruit chaat is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while fasting. Combine your favorite seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of black salt will enhance the taste. Ensure that the fruits are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy consumption. Fruit chaat offers essential vitamins and natural sugars, making it a healthy and energizing option to stay active at work while keeping up with your fast.
Potato Snacks
Potatoes are a versatile ingredient suitable for fasting. You can prepare different snacks using potatoes. Potato fries or potato chips, seasoned with sendha namak and spices, are popular options. Also, you can make aloo tikki, a potato patty, using boiled potatoes, spices, and herbs. These can be baked, pan-fried or deep-fried depending on your preference and available equipment. Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, offering a good source of energy for the day. They are also filling, making them a great choice during Navratri.
Sweet Potato Dishes
Sweet potatoes can also be a great alternative to normal potatoes. You can prepare sweet potato fries or roast them with a little ghee and spices. Boiled sweet potatoes can be added to chaat as well. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, providing sustained energy while supporting good health during your fast. They are also naturally sweet, which can help satisfy your sweet cravings in a healthier way than processed treats, making them an excellent option for office fasting.
Sabudana Vada
Sabudana vada is a popular snack that is easy to carry to the office. To make this, soaked sabudana is mixed with mashed potatoes, peanuts, and spices, then formed into patties and deep-fried or pan-fried. Make sure you use the right oil and heat levels to achieve a nice crisp. This snack provides a mix of carbohydrates from the sabudana and potatoes, along with healthy fats from the peanuts. These ingredients can provide a filling snack to keep you going during the day.
Lassi and Buttermilk
Lassi and buttermilk are refreshing and filling beverage options. Lassi can be made with yogurt, milk or water, and sugar or fruit. If you prefer a savory taste, you can also include salt and cumin. Buttermilk, or chaas, is another good option as it aids digestion. These beverages provide essential hydration and electrolytes, which help maintain energy levels, particularly in hot weather. They're easy to carry to the office in a flask or container, which makes them a practical and healthy choice.
Singhare Ki Puri
Singhare ki puri, made from water chestnut flour, is a traditional fasting food. The dough is made from the flour and water and may be mixed with mashed potatoes and spices. They are usually deep-fried until golden brown. These puris can be enjoyed with fasting-friendly side dishes like aloo ki sabzi made with sendha namak and spices. They are a satisfying and tasty option and are fairly easy to make, making them convenient when time is short.
Kuttu Atta Dishes
Kuttu atta (buckwheat flour) is a great alternative to regular wheat flour during Navratri. You can prepare various dishes using kuttu atta. Kuttu ki roti (flatbread) can be paired with aloo sabzi. Also, you can make pakoras by mixing kuttu atta with mashed potatoes and spices. These are great options for office lunch or snacks. Buckwheat flour is gluten-free and provides essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
Dry Fruits and Nuts
Dry fruits and nuts like almonds, cashews, and raisins are packed with nutrients and offer sustained energy. They're easy to carry and can be consumed as a quick snack during breaks. They offer a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Eating a handful of mixed nuts provides the necessary nutrients to keep you full, active, and focused at work, making them a convenient and healthy choice for fasting.
