8 Tips To Help You Stay Healthy During Navratri Fasting

It’s time to soak in the ritualistic prayers, the chant of mantras and the vibrance of Navratri. While it’s important to make the most of this time, it’s also important to stay healthy and maintain a diet that helps you get through the coming 9 days of continuous fasting.

Navratri commences on the first day (pratipada) of the lunar month of Ashwin. During the nine-day-long festival, nine forms of Shakti are worshiped; Durga, Kali, Amba, Gauri, Sheetal, Bhairavi, Chandi, Lalita, Bhavani and Tara.

Navratri is celebrated twice – once during the spring season and once during fall. Considering the scientific facts, these two durations are the exact times when your bodies become more vulnerable to diseases and changes. Just to keep up with the seasonal changes, a good diet is a must. And this is exactly where Navratri diet comes into picture.

The diet is actually a mix of scientific and religious rituals. If taken properly, it helps cleansing your system and prepares you for the seasonal changes coming your way. Here’s a quick guide on how to stay away from acidity, indigestion, lack of energy and drowsiness during your fasting.

- Don’t plan your day without water. Keep yourself hydrated with fluids like coconut water, buttermilk, green tea, lemon water other than just plain water.

- The whole idea of Navratri diet is in fact a good detox routine, only if you follow it right and don’t be too lenient with what you gorge on.

- Rock salt (sendha namak), the only salt one can using during Navratri, is not just beneficial for your blood pressure but also helps in absorption of minerals better than common salt. Hence, the quantity should be appropriate.

- Just because you’re on a fast, doesn’t mean you’ve the right to stuff yourself with fried fast food. Don’t overeat. Don’t go over-board with snacks.

- Opt for roasted, boiled and baked meal to help you balance the effect of fried snacks you plan to eat.

- Considering the fact that kuttu flour is a combination of carbohydrates and proteins, having kuttu flour during this time is a good idea.

- If and when you want to eat ‘namkeens’ specially made for fasts, console yourself and guzzle up fruits or roasted nuts as your mid-day munchies.

- While your lunch could be a heavy one, the dinner should be kept light. Going for a green tea post dinner will give you the required brownie point.