Ditch potatoes and go for healthier vegetables this Navaratri

It is that time of the year when people start the preparations for all the major festivals in India. With the ongoing Navaratri festival, the vegetable market is something that’s in big demand by people, as people focus more on vegetable-based foods for weekly detoxification. But, have you ever realized that people who fast, have only potato on their mind as the go-to vegetable for the whole nine days, as it can be used to make any kind of food? From chips to fried food and even making it into the main dish, potato does all the main work. But, this vegetable is rich in carbohydrates and can make the blood sugar and insulin go up and down rapidly (as it has a high glycemic index), which is not good for the body. Thus, in order to stay fit during the Navaratri festivals, nutritionists believe that people who are fasting, should ditch potatoes and start feeding on other veggies which are high in nutrition and will provide the taste as well. Here are some of those veggies that one should try if they are fasting. Take a look. (Images courtesy: iStock)

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You will be surprised to know that this one vegetable can provide you with vitamin A in abundance. It only keeps you away from seasonal change but keeps your eyes healthy as well. With high fibre and antioxidants, sweet potato can boost your immunity while keeping you full for longer and keeping those cravings away.

Just a month more and pumpkins will be in great demand for Thanksgiving and Halloween. But, this vegetable is a great choice for Navaratri, as it too is loaded with high levels of antioxidants and minerals and vitamin C & K. From Kaddu ka Halwa to Khatta Meetha Kaddu and even Pumpkin Soup, there are so many great dishes one can make with this vegetable. And yes, this vegetable too can keep you full for long.

This vegetable is popularly known as ghiya or lauki and is hated by most of the people. However, what you do not know is that this vegetable has the upper hand when it comes to nutrition as it's loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and lots of minerals. It not only keeps those calories in check but improves your digestive system while helping in boosting your immunity system. One can make lauki smoothie or soup during the Navaratri to keep themselves satiated.

This is one starchy vegetable that can be easily substituted and is called as the second cousin of potatoes. Packed with fibre, minerals and vitamins, Arbi is quite perfect for people who are fasting as it too can be used to make a huge number of dishes. You can just saute the Arbi in minimal spices and enjoy it with some curd or make curry with it and enjoy it with Kuttu/Rajgira ki Kachori.

Most people do not know that they can actually consume spinach during Navaratri. Spinach is one of the greatest green leafy vegetables which starts coming out during this season. This vegetable is super-rich in iron content and is known to be good for metabolism, which goes super-slow during the whole 9-day detoxification ritual. Also, it's loaded with fibre and many other minerals and vitamins, spinach can keep you away from the seasonal flu. Go for the Spinach Soup, Sauteed Spinach or combine it with other healthy veggies and enjoy.