Healthy ways to fast this Navratri

In navratri, many devotees choose to fast for all 9 days. There are many ways to fast and varying eating restrictions that the devotees impose on themselves. Some live on preparations of potato without salt, onion, garlic and turmeric; some take only milk and vegetables, some take one light meal in the day while some even remain nirjala, i.e. fast without water.

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There is a positive impact of fasting on health but only if you are conscious of the nutritional value of food that is substituted for eating while fasting.

You should know the ways to fast that leave you light and healthier without depriving you of nutrition.

Tips on how to get the benefits of fasting

Do not overeat – It may sound ironical, but some people do tend to lose self control when eating the different foods they have chosen for the Navratri fast. They stuff themselves with fried potatoes, makhana kheer, sabudana khichdi, pakodas or simply overeat fruits and vegetables.

The oily and heavy foods in particular defeat the very purpose of fasting. Richa Anand, a Mumbai-based nutritionist says that Navratri fasts now-a-days are not as they were earlier and people actually end up eating more than normal. Especially, dishes like sabudana khichdi which lack fibre content are avoidable as they are low in fibre. So control your urge to eat and have a healthy Navratri fast.

Who should Fast – Richa Anand says that fasting is not for everyone. If you are suffering from diabetes, severe form of acidity, or GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease), avoid fasting. Fasting is avoidable for pregnant women and children too. Those who give up salt on the day can turn to sendha namak (rock salt) or take care lest it leads to weakness.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Navratri fasting tips for working women

Do not deprive yourself too much – Fasting is energy sapping and if prolonged can lead to weakness, acidity, anaemia, headaches and fatigue. So, guard against too much fasting. Keep your energy level up to enjoy the festivities of Navratri. 

By observing these simple instructions on ways to fast, you can get the best out of this Navratri.

Image source: Getty

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