Stay healthy and fit this Navratri with these expert tips on fasting

Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival celebrated every year, and falls between the months of March and Apri. This year,  the festival began on April 13, and will go on till April 21.

The rituals observed during this time are similar to those of Sharad Navratri. People observe fasts as a tribute to goddess Durga. Other than a spiritual fest, fasting is a great way to detox the body. It also helps to eliminate unwanted calories, thereby helping to improve digestion. What’s more, fasting helps the body heal. 

After Holi,as the season begins to change, our body’s immunity goes for a toss. To combat this, we fast during Navratri. 

Here are some expert tips to help you fast:

1. Try a sattvic diet: It consists of fruits and veggies, which are ideal for detoxing the body.

2. Our water intake is vital and we need to make sure our body stays hydrated, while we fast. You can also drink coconut water, refreshing juices, infused water or smoothies. Avoid consuming too much tea or coffee.

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3. Because of fasting, we tend to snack more when we feel hungry. It’s important to be mindful, while choosing your snacks carefully.

4. Try to stick to healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, makhanas, rajgira ladoos, etc.

5. Use rock salt or sendha namak for cooking. Do not use common salt. Limit your intake of potatoes. Potato is the main food that is consumed during a fast, but try to consume it only twice a week.

6. Those who fast for all nine days must remember to eat small meals at regular intervals to keep their metabolism in top shape.

I would also like to mention a recipe of buckwheat khichdi. Buckwheat is an absolutely amazing source of vegetarian protein. It is the best nutritious food for all those who want to look fit.

Tips to break the fast

Once you are done with your fast, it is important to make sure your body gets back to the habit of consuming regular food. That’s because your digestive system has most likely reduced enzyme production and affected the mucus lining in your stomach. Overeating or ingesting certain foods too quickly may cause you to experience health problems such as nausea, stomach aches, or diarrhea.
Introducing regular foods slowly and strategically will help you break a fast safely, without disrupting your digestive system. Millet-soaked water is good for digestion, and provides the proteins to enrich and provide the body with instant energy.

Kair can be consumed on an empty stomach, as it activates your digestive fire and clears your bowel system immediately.