Sharad Navratri 2023 is not only a time for devout fasting but also a wonderful opportunity to embrace a diet that helps you lose weight. Another reason to plan your weight loss diet for Navratri is to stay healthy. The changing seasons can render our bodies more susceptible to common illnesses, but the Saatvik (pure and fresh) foods traditionally consumed during this time can help strengthen our immunity, detoxify, rejuvenate, and even aid in weight loss. A well-balanced diet chart for Navratri ensures you stay healthy, energised, and well-protected against colds, coughs, and other common ailments.
To help us out, nutritionist Shikha Singh shared a diet plan for weight loss that you can easily follow during the Navratri festival. She claimed that one can lose up to 5 kgs in the nine days of the festival!
Also Read: Sharad Navratri 2023: 10 Essential Ingredients You Must Stock In Pantry For Navratri
Can you lose weight during the Navratri fast?
Yes, you can fast and lose weight healthily with a well-planned weight loss diet that aligns with the fasting guidelines and gives you all the nutrition you need in a day to stay agile. Before revealing the diet plan for weight loss, nutritionist Shikha Singh suggested some tips to follow while on the diet for maximum benefits.
Tips For A Successful Navratri Weight Loss Diet:
1. Get Adequate Rest
Ensure you're getting 7-8 hours of sound sleep at night. Proper rest is crucial for both your overall health and weight management.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drink at least 3-3.5 litres of water daily. Sip water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can sometimes be mistaken for hunger.
3. Monitor Your Meals and Weight
Keeping track of your food intake and your weight can help you stay on course and make necessary adjustments.
4. Stay Physically Active
Incorporate 30 minutes of light physical activity into your daily routine to boost metabolism and reduce stress.
5. Early Dinner
Have your last meal of the day before 7 p.m. for easier digestion and improved weight management.
Now, let's break down your day with Navratri-special meals for your diet plan for weight loss.
Also Read: Healthy Sharad Navratri 2023 Fasting: 3 Food Swaps For Guilt-Free Eating
What Should You Eat In Navratri For Weight Loss Diet I Balanced Diet Chart For Navratri
Here's a complete weight loss diet plan, meticulously outlined from morning to bedtime, by Nutritionist Shikha Singh:
1. Morning Drink (7-7:30 AM): Elaichi Water
Kickstart your day with a revitalising cup of elaichi (cardamom) water. This natural diuretic is rich in antioxidants and aids in water retention, digestion, and weight loss.
How to make it: The night before, soak 2 cardamom pods and 10-20 saffron strands in water. The next morning, strain the infused water and savour it. Pair it with 4-5 soaked almonds or 2 soaked walnuts to energise your body.
2. Breakfast (8-8:30 AM): Kuttu Roti and Aloo Sabzi
For breakfast, relish a hearty meal that will keep you full and energised. Make kuttu (buckwheat) roti and aloo (potato) sabzi to make your weight loss diet in Navratri a delicious one. It is a great meal to add to your balanced diet chart.
How to make: Knead dough using kuttu flour and lukewarm water. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Cook the rotis with care, ensuring they are not rolled too thin. For the aloo sabzi, heat ghee, sauté cumin seeds, add tomato puree, sendha namak (rock salt), and cook. Add crushed boiled potatoes and green chillies, then let it simmer. Serve with fresh coriander leaves and pair it with curd. You can also enjoy a cup of tea or coffee without sugar.
3. Mid-Morning Snack (10-10:30 AM): Seasonal Fruit
Around mid-morning, savour the natural sweetness of a seasonal fruit. Fruits offer vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants that enhance your immunity, support digestion, and promote overall health. The natural sugars in fruits provide a delightful energy boost. You can pick any seasonal fruit of your choice and it to your daily weight loss diet during Navratri. You can pair your fruit with a refreshing glass of buttermilk.
Also Read: Sharad Navratri 2023: 5 Foods You Didn't Know Can Be Had For Navratri Fasting
4. Lunch (1-2 PM): Makhana Smoothie
For lunch, enjoy a delightful and nutritious makhana (fox nuts) smoothie. Makhana is a low-cal snack, perfect for your diet plan for weight loss.
How to make: In a blender, combine dry roasted makhana, peeled peanuts, green cardamom, low-fat milk, and a banana. Blend until smooth, pour into a glass, and garnish with almonds and pumpkin seeds. The variety of ingredients makes for great contenders for a balanced diet chart for Navratri fasting.
5. Evening Snack (4-4:30 PM): Energy Boost
By late afternoon, you may start feeling a dip in energy. To recharge, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee without sugar. Your weight loss diet can do with a little bit of caffeine. Alternatively, opt for healthier choices such as coconut water, lemon juice, or green tea. Pair your beverage with a small bowl of roasted makhana and peanuts.
6. Dinner (By 7 PM): Dahi Aloo
Aim for an early dinner to support good digestion and weight management. Your diet plan for weight loss should include foods that are easily digestible at night. The nutritionist suggests dahi aloo sabzi.
How to make: Take boiled potatoes, peel, and chop them into small cubes. Heat some ghee or oil in a pan, roast cumin seeds, add hing (asafoetida), and then the potatoes. Roast with sendha namak (rock salt), green chillies, black pepper powder, and coriander leaves. Whisk curd with a pinch of salt, add the cooked potatoes, and savour this delightful meal on your weight loss diet. Keep your portion size modest for better results.
7. Bedtime Drink (9-9:30 PM): Ajwain Tea
As the day comes to a close, prepare a soothing glass of ajwain (carom seeds) tea to aid digestion, promote weight loss, and prevent constipation. Your diet plan for weight will come to a successful conclusion with this drink.
How to make: Boil a glass of water, add 1 teaspoon of ajwain, cover the pan, and let it simmer. Strain and drink it warm.
By following this diet plan for weight loss, you can not only achieve your weight loss goals but also nourish your body during this Navratri festival. A balanced diet chart should include all types of nutrients from different foods. Follow this weight loss diet and let us know if you succeeded.