1. Sama Rice or Swaang ke Chawal
You can make the same dishes with Sama rice or Swaang ke Chawal that regular rice like a wholesome pulao or a sinful kheer. It is not a grain, but is considered as a seed. Grains are not allowed during these Navratri fasts. You can make Sama ki Kheer, Sama ki Khichdi, and Sama ki Idli. You can even try a Sama Salad with your favourite vegetables.
Potatoes
Potato is widely used during Navratri fasting. From dahi-aloo to aloo jeera sabzi with puri and so much more, it is a very versatile ingredient. You can try your hands on aloo kachodisand aloo tikkis too.
Sendha Namak or Rock Salt
You cannot consume common salt during Navratri fasts recommanded to use sendha namak or rock salt in its pure form. So, any dish you make while fasting can have sendha namak in it. It has a more subtle taste than regular table salt.
Nuts and Raisins
Eat dry fruits like almond, cashew nuts and raisins and others or simply add them to your Navratri dishes for a rich and nutty flavour.
Tea and Coffee
Beverages like tea and coffee can be sipped. But make sure you don’t drink more than 2-3 cups a day as it may cause acidity and other stomach issues.
Fresh Fruits
Include fresh fruits in your fasting diet during Navratri. Fresh seasonal fruits will keep you rejuvenated . Toss all fruits in a bowl and make some fruit salad for yourself. Don’t forget to add some lime juice or yogurt to it.
Food to avoid during the fasting of Navratri:
Onion and Garlic: It is advised to prepare meals without the use of onion and garlic. According to Ayurveda, garlic and onion should be avoided during seasonal change as they are Tamaasic in nature and they tend to heat up your body from within. Tomatoes are consumed because technically they are a fruit. Garlic and onions are strongly prohibited.
Aerated beverages and alcohol: If you are fasting, you are also required to steer clear of aerated beverages and alcohol. Many devotees who aren’t fasting also keep away from drinking alcohol and smoking as a mark of devotion to the Goddess.The three ‘sins’ are prohibited during Navratri. Consumption of alcohol, eggs and non-vegetarian food is a big no during these nine days. This is also a good way to detox your body with alkaline foods which do not produce any form of heat or toxins in your body.
