Navratri, the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is a time of fasting, devotion, and celebration. Fasting, in most cases, refers to taking small portions of healthy foods, and thus, most followers are always worried about how to balance their dietary needs. If you are concerned about how you’re going to indulge in a sweet craving, then you will be relieved! What’s more, there is no shortage of tasty and nutritious forms of sweets that can be eaten during the festival. Here’s a list of six healthy sweets recommended for healthy individuals and suitable for Navratri fasting.

1.    Fruit Chaat

Fruit Chaat is probably one of the easiest and healthiest ways to indulge in something sweet during Navratri. Fresh fruits contain essential vitamins, minerals and natural sugars, so they are the ultimate for energy boosts. Chop up seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, pomegranates, and papayas. Add a pinch of sendha namak or rocky salt, roasted cumin powder, and a hint of lemon to give it a good flavour. Extremely tasty filling, yet the digestive system gets a break, so a perfect snack while fasting.

2.    Dates and Nuts Barfi

For the indulgent, try Dates and Nuts Barfi. This healthy sweet combines the richness of dates and the crunch of assorted nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Dates are a great source of natural sugars, fibres, and iron, while nuts provide healthy fats and protein. To make this barfi, chop dates and nuts finely, mix them, and form a barfi. This treat fits the bill of indulging without sacrificing health since the essential nutrients will allow you to stay energised for the day.

3.    Makhana Kheer

Makhanas, or fox nuts, happen to be one of the favourite dishes consumed during Navratri as they have a lot of nutrient value. These are very low in calories and rich in proteins, fibre, and antioxidants, making them perfect for fasting. Makhana Kheer is an extremely delicious yet healthy dessert prepared by roasting makhanas and nuts and then cooking them in milk until the mixture becomes thick. When the flames are extinguished, add the cardamom powder and jaggery or honey for sweetness to the kheer. It is not only creamy and flavoured but has lots of nutrients, so this is a perfect fasting dessert.

4.    Sama Chawal Kheer

Sama Chawal Kheer is another very healthy, sweet dish prepared from barnyard millet; it is also gluten-free and rich in fibre, a good substitute for rice. Dry roast the millet, cook it in milk, cardamom, and saffron, and use stevia or jaggery as a natural sweetener. Add some dry fruits for an extra crunch and nutrients. For me, this Kheer is light, digestible, and offers a healthy alternative to satisfy the sweet urge during the fast.

5.    Coconut Ladoo

Coconut Ladoos make for a simple yet delicious sweet dish for coconut lovers. These ladoos comprise desiccated coconut, dates, and nuts and are full of fibre, healthy fats, and natural sugars. The dates are soaked and blended into a paste and sautéed with desiccated coconut and some ghee, followed by the addition of roasted nuts like almonds and cashews. Coat the coconut mixture with more desiccated coconut. Continue forming the mixture into small balls, roll them in more desiccated coconut, and then enjoy as a guilt-free Navratri energy-boosting snack.

6.    Amaranth Ladoo

Amaranth Ladoos are one of those gluten-free, protein-overflowing options which can be considered in terms of healthy eating during Navratri. Amaranth seeds, commonly known as rajgira, are extremely rich in protein, fibre, and essential minerals. Pop the amaranth seeds and mix them with jaggery or honey to bind them, add some cardamom powder for flavour, and roll them out into small ladoos. Therefore, people can have these ladoos and satiate hunger in case of fasting and remain able to eat for longer because Amaranth is a nutritious grain and aids digestion.

Navratri fasting does not mean you will have to miss all the fun of sweet indulgences. These six healthy sweets have just the right amalgam of taste and nutrition and will keep you energetic and satisfied during the nine days. From refreshing Fruit Chaat to the nutty Dates and Nuts Barfi to that classic kheer of Makhana and Sama Chawal, you can indulge without guilt. So, go for these festive treats and enjoy a healthy, happy Navratri!

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