Indian religion culture is so fascinating that you can see vibrant devotees everywhere you go. The level of devotion is very high in the Indian community that even pregnant women wish to fast for their religious beliefs. Though it is recommended for pregnant women, not to opt for fasting in this condition.
Because the mother is not the only one who requires essential nutrients, but also the fetus too for its healthy growth and development. Fasting in India doesn’t mean women cannot eat anything at all during the day. They can eat but at appropriate intervals. That is why fasting during pregnancy is not so hard.
This doesn’t allow pregnant women to starve all day or for long intervals because the baby cannot stay hungry for too long. Make sure to consume carbs during pregnancy while fasting for Navratri. Adding carbohydrates to our diet will benefit us for proper growth and development of our body.
Two Types of Carbs – Slow and Fast
Actually, there are two types of carbs, one is slow carbs and the second is fast carbs. Both of these types depend on the Glycemic Index (the rate at which carbs get digested as compared to glucose secretion).
The Glycemic Index (GI) of fast carbs is very high that is why it releases energy at a very high rate. This is the reason for its sudden usage which makes you starve most of the time and result in weight gain issues. Fast carbs include processed food such as fruit juices, starchy vegetables, bread, sugars, etc.
Also Read- Does A Healthy Diet Mean Cutting Off All The Carbs?
On the other hand, slow carbs are known for having a low Glycemic Index (GI), that is why it releases energy at a very slow pace. Due to the slow release, it helps to maintain a satisfying feeling as your blood sugar levels are maintained.
You will find many pregnant women who worry a lot about their carb intake and increased body weight. Fasting can be a better option to start with. To achieve the desired goal of losing weight and stay healthy, one has to maintain the right amount of carbs in her diet.
We aim for releasing the energy slowly to help you in the long run. For that to successfully happen, you have to start including slow carbs in your diet such as beans and legumes, vegetables, seeds and nuts, whole grains, etc.
Why Carbs Are Necessary While Fasting?
Although fasting has been a tradition in India and most people fast to impress deities. It is obvious that if you balance your body’s nutrients, then it can be therapeutic for your body. So for your healthy life, it is always advised to select the right food while you are fasting to prevent deficiency of important nutrients from the body.
Pregnant women who are suffering from illnesses such as anemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure shouldn’t force themselves for fasting as it will lead to several complications both for you and your baby.
One must not ignore carbohydrates while fasting as it provides energy to the brain that makes you energetic throughout the day. So, make sure you are not left out with the right amount of carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, and minerals in your diet.
Here are a few tips to make your navratri fasting healthier and various food options that include slow carbs:
It will be obvious that you will eat less food while fasting. Eating less will result in being hungry at odd times, so the best way to keep fuller for long hours is to eat slow carbs food as they take time to break down and digest.
Mostly, potatoes and sabudana are widely used in fasting and sometimes they are combined with vegetables like spinach, capsicum, tomatoes, cabbage, bottle gourd, etc. On the day of fasting, avoid deep fry, instead of that you can bake, roast, or grill your vegetables.
Instead of wheat flour, try Kuttu ka Aata which is a brilliant combination of carbohydrates (70-75 percent) and protein (20-25 percent). It is also rich in B-complex vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, zinc, iron, magnesium, and copper.
The most important thing to remember while fasting is to keep yourself hydrated all the time. if you are skipping food then it doesn’t mean you have to skip water too. Water is a must while fasting. Drink lots of water and fluids like coconut water, lemon water, and buttermilk.
You can also check out these healthy recipes for this Navratri season:
Sweet potato chaat
Nutritional value
1 bowl (250 gms)
Calories — 304.5 Cal Carbs — 62.09 gms
Protein — 6.42 gms
Fat — 2.10 gms
Fiber — 12.32 gms
Ingredients:
2-3 Sweet Potatoes (Boiled)
A handful of almonds, peanuts, and walnuts
1 tsp Cumin powder and Black pepper
1 tsp chia seeds and roasted flax seeds
Rock salt for taste
1 lemon (for juice)
Method:
- The first step is to boil some sweet potatoes. After boiling, peel them and chop them into small pieces. The size can be according to your preference.
- Add some nuts with the chopped pieces.
- Now add salt, cumin powder, and black pepper to it, and mix it properly.
- Do not forget to sprinkle some chia and flax seeds for a crispy taste.
Buckwheat Dhokla
Nutritional Value
2 pieces (45 gms)
Calories — 132 Cal
Protein — 4.7 gms
Carbohydrates — 30.23 gms
Fats — 1.2 gms
Fibre – 3.6 gms
Ingredients
1 cup Kuttu ka Atta / Buckwheat Flour
1/2 cup Sour Curd
1 /4 tsp Ginger paste
Salt to taste
1 tbsp Fresh Coriander (Grated)
1 tsp Green Chilli (Chopped)
Methods:
- The first step is to clean and wash the buckwheat under running water. Then drain the excess water using a strainer.
- Take a bowl, mix buckwheat, curd, and half a cup of water in it. Put a lid on the bowl and leave it for at least 4 to 5 hours.
- After this, add green chili, ginger paste, and salt to the batter and stir well.
- Before pouring the batter into a large plate or thali, make sure to grease it with oil. After pouring is done, sprinkle freshly chopped coriander.
- Leave it in the steamer for 10-12 minutes. After steaming it, let it cool for some time. Cut into small pieces and immediately serve with green chutney.