Sharad Navratri 2024 is just around the corner, and if you’re planning to keep the fast, you’re not alone! Whether you fast for religious reasons or just to detox, Navratri seems to be a great blend of devotion and discipline. Every year, Sharad Navratri falls in the autumn season and marks the beginning of the festive season in India. As we prepare for the next nine days of fasting, it is important to fast wisely and in the right way. how is that possible? Well, if you keep a few tips in mind. Read on to know how you can make your Navratri fasting easier and more fulfilling.
Also read: Navratri Special Thali: How to make delicious Navratri Thali at home
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Here are three fasting tips to keep in mind during Navratri:
According to nutritionist Urvi Gohil, if you keep these tips in mind then you can keep yourself healthy during Navratri fasting.
1. Don’t eat too much
Once you break the fast, you do not get free rein in fasting. According to the expert, it is important to listen to your body and avoid overeating during meals. Eating too much can make you feel bloated and sluggish, which is not what you want on your fasting days. Stick to portion control and listen to your body. Eat wisely and consume nutritious food that is light and will keep you full and satisfied.
2. Limit your caffeine and salty foods intake
Although it may be tempting to drink endless cups of tea and enjoy salty snacks, resist this urge. Experts share that too much caffeine and salty foods can cause dehydration, which can make you more sluggish and tired than usual. Also, salty snacks like snacks and chips can disrupt your digestive system, especially during fasting. Therefore, replace your favorite foods with nutritious alternatives like fresh fruits, roasted makhana, etc.
3. Stay well hydrated
Hydration is your best friend during Navratri fasting. The best part is that it is not just about drinking water, you can also add flavors to it to maintain your hydration levels. According to the expert, you can have a variety of options like coconut water, fresh fruit juice, or even a refreshing glass of mint buttermilk. You can also try celery or cumin water to aid digestion and keep bloating away. Staying hydrated will not only keep you energetic but will also help in flushing out toxins from your body.
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What can you eat during Navratri fasting?
Now that you know how to fast in a healthy way during your Navratri fast, let’s see what things you can include in your diet during that time.
1. Flour and grains
Although you cannot eat wheat and rice during Navratri, there are some other nutritious options to keep you satiated. You can have options like buckwheat flour (buckwheat flour), water chestnut flour (water chestnut flour), rajgira flour (amaranth flour), samai rice (barnyard millet) or sago. Dishes prepared with these ingredients will keep you satiated and happy for a long time.
2. Fruit
-You can eat fruits and dry fruits during Navratri. Enjoy seasonal delights individually or make instant fruit chaat. You can also enjoy these fruits with a bowl of curd.
3. Spices
Avoid using normal table salt and use rock salt instead. Rock salt is a highly crystalline salt made by evaporating seawater and does not contain high amounts of sodium chloride. You can also use other spices but it largely depends on your religious beliefs.
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4. Vegetables
Some vegetables that you can consume during Navratri fast are potato, sweet potato, taro, kachalu, yam, lemon and raw pumpkin. Tomato, spinach, bottle gourd and cucumber can also be consumed.
5. Dairy products
During the fast, you can consume milk and milk products like curd. It can also keep your stomach healthy and cool. Other items include cheese, white butter, ghee, cream and milk and khoya.
Also read: Craving sweets during fasting? Here are 8 sweets you can make for Navratri
