Ask the Experts: I am fasting during Navratri for the time. What should I keep in mind?

If fasting during Navratri means gorging on fried sabudana tikkis and pooris for you, then read this.
Navratri fast
This Navratri, fast responsible. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Manisha Chopra Updated: 6 Nov 2023, 22:44 pm IST
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Navratri is one of the biggest festivals that is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by people from different parts of the country. This nine-day long festival delves everyone into chanting, dancing and praying to Goddess Durga.

Many people across the country keep a fast during Navratri. Everyone has a different approach towards fasting during these days. Some people fast to relish the delicious meals prepared during the festival while some have a religious reason attached to it. 

Fasting, however, is a great way to detox the body, cut out unwanted calories and enhance digestion. There are many benefits attached to fasting that can help keep your body healthy and active. 

Here are some tips that you can follow in order to fast in a healthy way: 

1. Observe the calories you are consuming consuming

Fasting gives you a great opportunity to reduce your calorie consumption from your meals. So, it is very important for you to keep a check on calories consumed. Try having only one major meal per day but make sure you don’t starve yourself. You can binge on some fresh fruits and nuts at regular intervals in order to avoid weakness, headaches and fatigue.

Navratri fast
Fasting doesn’t mean to nosh on fried food. Image courtesy: Unsplash
2. Make sure you don’t increase your portion size

If you are having a complete meal only once a day, please ensure that you are not increasing the portion size. Increased portions of food contribute to overeating and weight gain.

3. Stay hydrated

It is extremely important to stay hydrated during a fast. You should drink an adequate amount of water during the day in order to maintain the level of fluid in your body. You can also consume smoothies or fruit juice to keep your body hydrated. They are also a great source of nutrients and even keep your stomach full for a long period of time.

Navratri fast
Chug down that glass of water. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
4. Try to consume light food and not fried food

Many people binge on endless fried snacks during Navratri fast. Fried food items are high in salt. They only increase the body weight and give no benefit. Try to consume light food as much as possible. For example: instead of making pooris out of kuttu flour, you can make kuttu dosas and idlis. In addition, roasted nuts and fresh fruits like apple, papaya, and banana can be consumed at regular intervals to stay energized.

5. Avoid starchy food

Sometimes we tend to eat more sugar during Navratri fasts. Potato is one of those starchy items that is present in almost every Navratri meal. Try to avoid starchy food in order to maintain your health. For example: instead of potato, you can switch to other vegetables like pumpkin or bottle guard for preparing dishes.

6. Consume fiber-rich food

Your Navratri menu should include lots of fibre-rich foods such as raw banana, pumpkin, and bottle gourd so that it helps you stay full throughout the day. They also help in maintaining the blood sugar level.

Navratri fast
Add more fruits and veggies during Navratri fast. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
7. Take proper rest

In order to keep your body fit and active during a fast, seven to eight hours of sleep is very essential. While fasting, your body starts detoxifying itself and therefore, it becomes very important for you to take complete rest. Otherwise, you may experience lack of energy, headache or dizziness during the day.

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About the Author

Manisha Chopra, a stellar nutritionist, dietitian, and fitness expert considers that a man is truly what he consumes. Manisha believes that when one is sincere and disciplined to eat right and exercise regularly, then the body can function optimally and undergo enhanced physical, mental and emotional state of affairs. As a Nutritionist, she has assisted a number of clients towards a fruitful lifestyle, through easy dietetic and lifestyle alterations. ...Read More

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