FAST RIGHT THIS NAVRATRI

Navratri 2018 is just around the corner. While most of the people fast for all the nine days, some fast for the first two days or the last two days. Some eat only one time during the day and some eat only specific things throughout the day in small portions. Some fast for religious beliefs, others to just weigh a little lighter or just give your system a break or detoxify. No matter what your reason is, and how long you fast, you must do it right

When done properly fasting has its own benefits for the body.

It helps in re-setting the electrolyte balance, detoxification and freedom from bloating and water retention.

Would like to share my tips on the same.

Early Morning :

Start your day with a glass or two of warm water to flush out the toxins. Eat a fruit ( banana/apple/papaya )or small handful of unsalted nuts ( almonds/walnuts ) after 15 mins followed by your regular tea/herbal tea.

Breakfast :

Can have a bowl of mixed fruits. Eating plenty of fruits through the day will keep you hydrated and provide essential micro nutrients to keep you going. Can have glass of milk or mashed potatoes/sweet potatoes.

Lunch :

Eat sabudana khichdi, samak rice or chapati made from kuttu flour or singhara flour. Kuttu flour is extremely rich in iron, vitamin and protein whereas Singhara is an excellent source of good carbs.

Evening Snacks :

Snack on unsalted nuts, peanuts, dry fruits like dates, figs, raisins, roasted foxnuts (makhana) sprinkled with sendha namak.

Have tender coconut water as this will keep you hydrated and energized.

Dinner :

Refrain from a fat laden meal at the end of the day and avoid puris, kachori and deep fried sabudana vadas. Eating a fried dish after a day’s fast is difficult to digest and leads to acidity. If you are required to eat kuttu flour or singhara flour then opt for healthier options like cheelas instead of deep fried puri, kachori or pakodi. Remember not to feast while you fast.

Things to keep in mind :

1)     Never start your day with citrus fruits like orange, sweet lime etc as it causes acidity.

2)   Cut down on sugar through the day. Have natural sugar in the form of dates, raisins, dried figs. Use jaggery and honey to sweeten things.

3)   Avoid too much of dairy products as its acidic in nature.

4)   Do not stay hungry for a long period of time as that would bring about a drop in the metabolic rate, lower blood glucose levels and blood pressure resulting in giddiness and headaches.

5)    Make sure you include papaya as they are one of the best foods to prevent constipation that might occur after fasting.

6)   Use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular iodized salt or table salt. Sendha namak is low in sodium and rich in potassium and helps in re-setting the electrolyte balance.

7)    Avoid too much of tea intake. Try if you can have herbal teas instead.

8)   Please do not fast if you have a medical condition or are unwell or are on medication.

So, this navratri wish you Happy Fasting J

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section and I will address them.