Navratri fasts can be a game-changer for those hoping to lose weight in nine days

Strict vigil on every morsel, or fasting and feasting together; those observing Navratri fasts come in all shapes. To commit for nine days and to maintain work-home routine might get overwhelming for some, but here is some help from nutritionist Dr Pallavi Jassal, who shares a fuss-free diet plan to not just help weight-watchers, but also keep one energised through the day.

Morning

Papaya and 50g paneer/fruits with skimmed milk.

Mid-day snack

Lemon water with fruits/coconut water with fruits/green tea with water.

Afternoon

Grilled vadas with mint chutney/two kuttu chapatti with vegetables, salad and raita.

Evening snack

Shakarkandi/green tea with baked chips/ roasted makhana.

Dinner

Milk with fruits/ a bowl of vegetables and salad.

Be disciplined

Replacing fried food with non-fried options, and including more of curd and fruits to keep one full, Dr Pallavi also doles out tips to maintaining discipline through fasting days.

• Instead of puri or pakodas made from kuttu ka atta, try out kuttu ki roti; replace fried aloo-chat with boiled aloo-chat and kheer with mixed-fruit curd.
• Use rajgira (amaranth) flour to make chapattis instead of using kuttu ka atta. It’s lighter and low in calories.
• Try out idli and dosa from the samak ke chawal for variety; it’s also filling.
• Limit your potato intake to twice a week.
• Replace whole milk with skimmed milk for desserts.
• Keep drinking water, coconut water, lemonade (without sugar), and herbal teas as much as you can.
• Try including fresh fruits in your diet in various forms of salads, smoothies and raitas, to keep up with your nutrition.
• Instead of having namkeens and pakodas as snacks, have a handful of roasted makhanas or nuts like almonds, pistachios, walnuts or hazelnuts.

  While observing fasts, use the opportunity to detox, build up on your immunity and boost the metabolism.