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Navratri is a nine-day festival for Goddess Durga that comes with a number of dietary practices. Devotees perform stringent fasts, restraining themselves from the consumption of traditional foods such as grains, alcohol, animal foods and tamasic foods. Despite this, your diet does not have to be dull or limited. There are many alternative grains and flours that can satisfy your cravings and keep your fast intact. These grains are not only nutritious but they also have energy, fibre and serve as a source of vitamins and minerals. Here, we've listed the best vrat-friendly grains that you can eat to stay energised throughout the fast.

Vrat-Friendly Grains

Buckwheat Flour

Kuttu atta or buckwheat flour is a healthy and versatile option typically eaten during fasting periods. Being rich in protein, iron, magnesium and fibre, kuttu flour delivers sustained energy due to its low glycemic index. Its recipes include rotis, kuttu poori which offers a healthy alternative.

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Singhara Atta

Singhara flour, made from dried ground water chestnuts is one of the often-used ingredients while fasting during Navratri. This flour is considered light and is high in fibre, allowing you to remain satiated for a long time while being low in calories. This gluten-free flour can be used to make singhara paratha and desserts such as halwa to make your fasting period more enjoyable.

Sabudana

Sabudana is a common ingredient consumed during Navratri. It is high in carbohydrates, and therefore, these little white pearls can provide you with a lot of energy. They are also versatile and nutritious as you can prepare things such as sabudanavada, kheer and khichdi.

grains for fasting

Best grains for fasting period (Image Credits: Canva)

Rajgira Atta

Rajgira, called amaranth is a healthy flour regarded as a great flour during a fasting time. Rajgira atta is generally gluten-free and is loaded with vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium and dietary fibre. You can make dosas, ladoos and rotis for a nutritional benefit to the food menu.

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Barley

Barley is not a common grain option like other options. It is suitable for certain kinds of fasts because of its high fibre content. Fibre aids digestion and helps in creating satiety. Barley can be used in the form of boiled grains or barley flour or in simple dishes like barley khichdi or porridge.