During Navratri there is already a set of restriction on dietary choices. Here is a list of low-glycemic foods that can help diabetics manage insulin levels along with weight loss.
Chaitra Navratri have begun and there is a holy aura in the environment. Festivals entail certain rituals, and traditional and gastronomic choices and during the Hindu festival of Navratri (meaning nine holy nights of celebrating Maa Durga), people observe a fast. This is also the festival that has a diet plan of what to eat and avoid during the week-long time. If you are someone who is on a weight loss journey, fret not. There are ways to manage the weight loss regime, and diet along the festival. Here are few low-glycemic (GI) foods that can offer several benefits for weight loss and help diabetics manage their high blood sugar levels as well.
WEIGHT LOSS: 5 LOW-GLYCEMIC FOODS TO EAT DURING NAVRATRI
- Makhana: Fox nuts or lotus seeds are one of the healthiest snacking options especially when observing a fast. These are low in calories, have low-glycemic index and are loaded with nutrients. It has a good amount of magnesium, fibre, and iron that helps with digestion, weight loss, heart health etc.
- Samak Rice: This is a Navratri special food. It is highly fibrous and enhances digestion. This barnyard millet lowers the risk of diseases like obesity and is a rich source of nutrients like protein, zinc, iron etc. It is also gluten-free and has micronutrients that are considered healthy for people with diabetes.
- Kuttu ka Atta or Buckwheat Flour: This is light on the stomach, boosts energy. Its low carb content puts it on a low-glycemic index making it a healthy option for diabetics. Also, it is fibre rich, loaded with other minerals that help with weight loss making it another ideal choice for Navratri meals.
- Spinach: Not everyone’s favourite but spinach is another super healthy vegetable that will enhance your diet nutrient-wise. It is packed with iron, vitamin, minerals. This plant-based leafy vegetable is often consumed during Navratri and helps in managing blood sugar levels. This low-glycemic veggie should be added to the weight loss meal.
- Low-Glycemic Fruits: Fruits are one of the best foods to snack on in between meals during Navratri fast. From apples, berries, apricots, grapes to oranges, it is better to snack on these nutrient-rich foods that will help to keep your stomach full for longer duration as they have dietary fibres. These are also as low-glycemic indexed foods that boost better diabetes management. Due to their high content of fibre, protein, vitamin C and other minerals, fruits boost metabolism leading to a faster weight loss process.
- Pumpkin: Due to its low carbohydrate and high fibre content, pumpkin is also suggested as a low-glycemic food that helps with diabetes. This orange-coloured veggie is a weight-loss friendly. Even pumpkin seeds can benefit for burning calories. However, one must remember to consume it in moderation or connect with your doctor before adding it to your everyday meal plan.
Apart from these food choices it is better to manage blood sugar levels regularly and keep yourself hydrated amid rising temperatures.
Happy and Healthy Navratri!