The festive season is here, people. And it’s started off with the auspicious period of Navratri. Apart from fasting for religious reasons, you can also use this occasion to start a healthier life. From cold-pressed juices to the current favourite, makhanas, you can switch your regular tidbits to Navratri snacks and feel the difference.

One might think that fasting during Navratri means giving up on the good stuff. But after doing this for nine days, you might actually switch your preferences permanently to these Navratri snacks and drinks.

1. Try a juice cleanse

Stay hydrated with some cold pressed juices that are free of any added salts or preservatives. Also, they’re full of natural ingredients that are great for you. You can have these juices delivered to your doorstep with several online options. Navratri is the perfect time to do a juice cleanse and rid your body of all the accumulated toxins.

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You can order these juices here.

2. Eat a fruit salad for a healthy meal

Power through the day with a bowl full of energy. When you’re having an entire meal of fruits, whether it’s breakfast or lunch, you’re bound to feel healthier and more energized. Fasting during this period allows you to indulge in your favourite fruits. So, when you feel the hunger pangs coming on this Navratri season, order a juicy salad and pride yourself on choosing healthy.

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You can order a delicious fruit salad here.

3. Stock up on makhanas.

Bite into healthy and crunchy roasted makhanas (foxnuts) during your Navratri fast. Try the variety of flavours available online. Not only do makhanas make healthy Navratri snacks, they’re also delicious. You can binge on them, without any guilt, during movies or at parties.

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You can order your Navratri supply of makhanas from here.

4. Replace regular milk with almond milk

If you feel that you need to cut out dairy from your life, try almond milk. It gives you all the health benefits without the discomfort that dairy can bring with it. You can try different recipes with almond milk or just drink it as it is. Drinking almond milk during your Navratri fast will keep you satiated and healthy.

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You can make almond milk at home or order it online here.

5. Try sweet potato chips

If you love potato chips, but stay away from them for health reasons, here’s a great alternative. Sweet potato is a healthier alternative to regular potatoes and is now used to make chips as well. Some might argue that sweet potato chips taste even better than regular potato chips. During this festive season, indulge in sweet potato chips which are suitable for Navratri fasting and delicious.

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You can buy sweet potato chips online here.

6. Indulge in farali chiwda

This is a light, airy, crispy snack that will keep you well-fed and healthy at the same time. It’s full of a variety of flavours and might even become a staple in your home.

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You can buy it online here.

7. Make aloo paneer kofta at home

Check out the Instagram post below for the recipe.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Aloo Paneer Kofta #ingredients (measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml) * 200 gms paneer/cottage cheese, grated * 3 medium sized aloos/potatoes, which have been boiled & peeled and then grated * 11/2 tbsp almond flour or 1 tbsp milk powder or 11/2 tbsp khoya (i used almond flour) * ½ tsp black pepper powder or crushed black pepper * ¼ or ½ tsp red chili powder/lal mirch powder * ¼ or ½ tsp garam masala powder * 1 or 1.5 tbsp chopped coriander leaves/dhania patta * 1.5 or 2 tbsp corn flour/corn starch * 2 to 3 tbsp mixed chopped dry fruits – almonds, cashews, pistachois and raisins * vegetable oil for frying ( i used rice bran oil) * rock salt or regular salt as required * chaat masala as required (optional) #recipe: 1. mix all the ingredients in a bowl, except the dry fruits. 2. check the seasoning and add more salt or spice powders if required. 3. take a medium sized ball from the mixture and flatten it slightly. 4. place the dry fruits in the center. 5. bring the edges toward the center and cover the dry fruits completely. 6. seal the kofta well, so that they do not break while frying. 7. make all the koftas this way. 8. heat oil for shallow frying or deep frying in a kadai or pan. 9. add the stuffed koftas and fry till golden brown from all over. 10. drain the kofta on paper tissues. 11. serve aloo paneer kofta hot or warm with green chutney or sweet chutney and sprinkled with some chaat masala. 12. these koftas can also be made and added to malai kofta curry. #navratri2016#navratrarecipe#fitness#health#eveningsnack#navratra#special#healthandfitness

A post shared by HEALTH AND FITNESS ZONE (@healthandfitnesszone) on Oct 3, 2016 at 4:11am PDT

8. Impress your family by making sabudana khichdi at home

This dish is considered a household staple during the Navratri season. Now, instead of waiting for someone else to make it or ordering it, you can make sabudana khichdi yourself. Watch the video below for the recipe.

With these options, you can not only observe your Navratri fast but also stay healthy throughout. Happy Navratri!