Navratri 2026: Nutritionist Shares Simple Fibre-Rich Food Hacks for Healthy Festive Eating

As Navratri 2026 celebrations bring fasting, feasting and traditional delicacies to the forefront, nutritionists are encouraging people to make mindful food choices without giving up their favourite festive treats. Increasing dietary fibre intake is one way to support digestion and maintain a balanced diet during the nine-day festival.

Nutritionist Roshni Sanghvi has shared simple ways to incorporate more fibre into festive meals, helping people enjoy traditional foods while paying attention to their nutritional needs. Fibre plays an important role in digestive health, supports regular bowel movements and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

One of the suggested approaches is to begin meals with fibre-rich foods, including fruits, salads and vegetables permitted during fasting. These can help increase fibre consumption while providing essential nutrients. People who are not fasting can also include lentils, sprouts, chickpeas and other legumes in their daily meals to improve their overall nutritional intake.

Traditional festive snacks can also be adapted to make them more nutritious. Instead of relying entirely on fried foods, people can opt for roasted makhana, nuts and seeds. Using millet flour to prepare baked snacks offers another alternative for those looking to make healthier choices during Navratri.

For those with a sweet tooth, fig-based sweets, such as anjeer barfi, can provide fibre alongside natural sweetness. However, portion control remains important, as sweets can still contain considerable amounts of sugar and calories.

Nutritionists also recommend mindful eating throughout the festival. Eating slowly, recognising hunger and fullness cues, and avoiding excessive portions can help people enjoy festive meals without unnecessary overeating. Adequate hydration is equally important, particularly for those observing fasts, as fluid requirements may vary depending on activity levels and the foods consumed

The emphasis is on achieving a balance rather than eliminating traditional dishes. By incorporating fibre-rich foods, choosing healthier cooking methods and maintaining sensible portions, people can make their Navratri diet more nutritious while continuing to enjoy the festival’s culinary traditions.