Fasting for a day helps cleanse your system and detoxifies the body but Navratri fasting for nine days consecutively can leave you feeling exhausted and lethargic. However, there are ways and means to remain healthy and fit while fasting and the following tips will come handy in doing so.
Eat Healthy – The first meal of the day after a 14 or 16 hour window should be a wholesome one. You can have sabudana khichdi or kuttu puri or parantha stuffed with potatoes along with a glass of buttermilk. You can also have a fruit of your choice but avoid intake of sugar in the morning.
Stay Hydrated – Keeping yourselves hydrated is essential as it prevents hunger pangs to a great extent. It helps keep you energetic and helps in digestion too. So, keep sipping water or fruit juice during the day.
Drink cold milk to prevent Acidity – Dietry changes during these nine days can lead to certain health problems such as constipation or acidity in some cases. Cold milk keeps acidity at bay and is good for health too. Alternatively you can drink lemonade or have curd, which are both equally good for digestion.
Eat lots of Fruits – Fruits not only keep you hydrated but provide fibre that is essential for the body to function properly. Include fruits such as papaya, apple, banana, orange and other citrus fruits in your diet whenever you have hunger pangs.
Add Sugar in Limited Quantity – Having a sweet dish once a day will help maintain your sugar level and also give you the much needed energy. A bowl of makhana or sabudana kheer is a good option now and then but be cautious not to overdo it.
Include Nuts – Have a handful of nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, almonds as a snack or even unsweetened dry fruits such as figs, raisins, and dates as they provide good fats to the body.
Summing up
Navratri fasting can be healthy, provided you follow the above tips and be cautious about what and how much you consume!
