By Sakshi Arora

Copyright timesnownews

Navratri season is just around the corner, and the period also comes with specific dietary restrictions. As devotees observe strict fasts during the sacred period and worship the nine forms of Maa Durga, traditional foods like grains, alcohol, meats and tamasic food are avoided. However, this practice doesn’t mean that your diet needs to be bland or restrictive. There are several other alternative grains and flours that you can incorporate to satisfy your food cravings. Whether you’re making snacks, desserts or main courses, we have rounded up a list of 5 grains that are both nutritious and perfect for your Navratri fasting. Kuttu atta Also referred to as Buckwheat flour, it is widely savoured during the fasting season. Despite its name, kuttu flour is rich in protein and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. The flour is packed with a low glycemic index, which also makes it ideal for sustained energy throughout the day. Some of the popular recipes prepared with buckwheat flour include rotis, kuttu poori, cutlets and more. Barley While barley or jau is not really common, unlike other grain options. Barley can be used during certain types of fasts and is appreciated for its high fibre content. This also helps in digestion and provides a feeling of fullness. Barley is consumed in the form of boiled grains or barley flour and can be used to make simple dishes like barley khichdi or porridge. Singhara atta Singhara flour is prepared from dried ground water chestnuts and is one of the most commonly used fasting ingredients during Navratri. The flour is light on the stomach, rich in fibre and is low in calories. The singhara flour promises to keep you full for longer periods and is also gluten-free in nature. Singhara atta can be used to prepare dishes like singhara paratha and even desserts like halwa. Rajgira atta Rajgira, also known as amaranth, is a nutritious flour which is considered great for a fasting period. The rajgira atta is usually gluten-free and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium and dietary fibre. Rajgira atta can be used to make dosas, ladoos and rotis for a nutritional boost to your food menu. This also provides support to bone health and boosts immunity, too. Sabudana Also referred to as tapioca pearls, sabudana is a staple ingredient in many Indian households during the fasting period. These small white pearls are packed with carbohydrates, which make for a great source of energy during Navratri. The ingredient can be used in making numerous dishes like sabudana vada, sabudana kheer and sabudana khichdi. For a quick energy boost and satiety, stock your kitchen pantry with sabudana and add it to your menu.