If you believe that the only way to successfully observe a Navratri fast is by indulging in fried foods, it may be beneficial to explore healthier and more satisfying alternatives for your fasting meals. Navratri fasting serves as an opportunity for spiritual devotion, detoxification, and conscious eating. Unfortunately, many individuals inadvertently adopt an unbalanced diet during this time, often relying on carbohydrate-heavy snacks such as sabudana, potatoes, and kuttu (buckwheat), while overlooking the importance of protein. This dietary imbalance can result in fatigue, muscle deterioration, and persistent hunger. Therefore, incorporating high-protein snacks during Navratri is essential. Below are some suggestions you might consider.

Why is protein essential during Navratri fasting?

Numerous foods consumed during fasting are high in carbohydrates but often deficient in protein. Nevertheless, protein is vital for sustaining energy, preserving muscle mass, and supporting metabolism while fasting. Here are the reasons why incorporating high-protein snacks and meals during Navratri is crucial:

• Prevents muscle loss: Since fasting reduces overall calorie intake, the body may start breaking down muscle tissue for energy if protein intake is low. Increased protein intake, if distributed evenly throughout the day, may prevent the loss of muscle mass, states this study, published in the journal Advances in Nutrition.
• Keeps you full longer: Protein takes longer to digest than carbs, preventing hunger pangs and overeating. This is what makes high protein snacks a great option during the Navratri fast.
• Supports immunity: Protein is essential for the production of antibodies and immune cells.
• Balances blood sugar levels: High-carb meals during fasting cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar. Protein helps stabilise glucose levels and prevents energy dips.
• Aids in detoxification: The body requires amino acids (from protein) to support liver function and remove toxins efficiently. High protein snacks can be an easy way to build up your daily protein intake.

6 high-protein snacks for Navratri fasting

Here are six high-protein snacks that you can have during Navratri fasting, each containing at least 10-15g of protein per serving. These snacks are easy to prepare, nutritious, and compliant with fasting rules.

1. Paneer and peanut tikki

Protein per serving (2 tikkis): Around 15g

Calories per serving: Around 250 kcal

Paneer is a great high-protein snack to have during this time. It is rich in casein protein, which provides slow-releasing energy, states this study, published in the journal Food Chemistry. Besides this peanuts add healthy fats and extra protein, making it a well-balanced snack. This is perfect for an evening snack with green tea.

Ingredients

• 100g paneer (crumbled)
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts (coarsely crushed)
• 1 tbsp singhara (water chestnut) flour
• 1 tsp sendha namak (rock salt)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Ghee for shallow frying

Procedure

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl and shape them into small tikkis.
• Heat ghee in a pan and shallow fry the tikkis until golden brown on both sides.
• Serve hot with mint chutney.

2. Amaranth (rajgira) protein porridge

Protein per serving (1 bowl):  Around 12g

Calories per serving: Around 270 kcal

Amaranth is a complete protein, providing all essential amino acids. Besides this, the milk and nuts enhance the protein and calcium content. This is best enjoyed as a breakfast option.

Ingredients

• ½ cup amaranth (rajgira) grains
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp almonds (chopped)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp cardamom powder

Procedure

• Dry roast the amaranth grains for 2 minutes.
• Add milk and cook until thick.
• Stir in chia seeds, almonds, honey, and cardamom.
• Serve warm.

3. Peanut and curd chaat

Protein per serving: Around 13g

Calories per serving: Around 220 kcal

Curd is a great probiotic and contains whey protein, which is highly bioavailable, states this study, published in the Journal of Dairy Science. Peanuts add extra protein and good fats. This is one of the best high protein snacks and makes for a great mid-day snack to stay full longer.

Ingredients

• ½ cup curd
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
• 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds
• ½ tsp sendha namak
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tsp chopped coriander

Procedure

• Whisk curd until smooth.
• Mix in roasted peanuts, pomegranate, and spices.
• Garnish with coriander and serve chilled.

4. Buckwheat (kuttu) and curd pancakes

Protein per serving (2 small pancakes): Around 15g

Calories per serving: Around 280 kcal

Buckwheat (kuttu) is high in protein and fibre, and it helps in keeping energy levels stable. Curd enhances protein content and aids digestion. This is what makes these pancakes one of the best high protein snacks during your fast. In fact, this can also be a perfect dinner option for sustained energy.

Ingredients

• ½ cup kuttu (buckwheat) flour
• ¼ cup curd
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (soaked)
• ½ tsp sendha namak
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Ghee for cooking

Procedure

• Mix kuttu flour, curd, chia seeds, and spices into a batter.
• Heat ghee in a pan and cook small pancakes on both sides until golden brown.
• Serve hot with mint chutney.

5. Almond-flaxseed energy bars

Protein per serving (1 bar): Around 12g

Calories per serving: Around 230 kcal

Almonds and flaxseeds provide plant-based protein and omega-3s. Jaggery gives natural energy without spiking blood sugar. This high protein snack is a great on-the-go option for busy fasting days.

Ingredients

• ½ cup almonds
• 2 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp grated coconut
• 2 tbsp jaggery syrup
• 1 tsp cardamom powder

Procedure

• Dry roast almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
• Blend them into a coarse powder.
• Add jaggery syrup and mix well.
• Press into a tray and cut into bars.

6. Coconut and paneer smoothie

Protein per serving (1 glass): Around 15g

Calories per serving: Around 260 kcal

Paneer and coconut milk provide a good mix of protein and healthy fats. Chia seeds add fibre to this high protein snacks and keep you full longer.

Ingredients

• ½ cup crumbled paneer
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tsp honey

Procedure

• Blend all ingredients until smooth.
• Serve chilled.

During Navratri fasting, protein is crucial for energy, muscle maintenance, and satiety. These 6 high protein snacks ensure you get at least 10-15g of protein per serving, keeping you full, nourished, and energised. What's more? It can also support weight loss.

Read Also: Want Junk Food Without Weight Gain? A Coach Shares 5 Game-Changing Strategies

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