Navratri is a time of devotion, vibrant celebrations and festive indulgence. Whether you are observing a fast, savouring traditional delicacies or dancing the night away at garba celebrations, food is an integral part of the festivities. However, changes in meal timings and daily routines can lead to frequent snacking, increased consumption of fried foods and sweets, and a feeling of heaviness or discomfort after eating.
“I suggest my clients count fibre even before protein for this very reason. Especially when it comes to festivities in India, we live in a country that celebrates food. Food is central to all festivals, and it’s very easy to overeat. One way fibre can help is to ‘pre-load’ your meals. Think of this simple exercise of starting your meal with fibre first,” explains Roshni. Traditional Navratri foods can also be adapted to include more fibre. These ingredients can add variety to your festive meals, although their fibre content varies.”
“Instead of relying exclusively on refined or starchy ingredients, consider including buckwheat (kuttu), amaranth (rajgira) or water chestnut (singhara) flour where appropriate, according to the nutritionist.
Holistic nutritionist and functional health expert at Clinic Living Plus, one simple nutritional strategy that can help during the festive season is to increase your fibre intake, according to Roshni Sanghvi.
Festivals are meant to be enjoyed, not approached with guilt or rigid food rules. Fibre is not a magic solution that cancels out festive indulgences, but consistently including fibre-rich foods can support digestive and metabolic health.
“However, remember that these ingredients still contribute calories and natural sugars, so portion sizes matter,” emphasises the nutritionist. If you are not fasting, she recommends choosing ingredients according to your personal fasting practices and ensuring your meals remain balanced and satisfying.
