Navratri Fasting - 5 Things You Must Be Careful About!

While Navratri fasting is very popular among the Hindu society, there is a scientific reason behind this fasting. It happens twice in a year during seasonal change. This is the time when the weather changes and the body becomes vulnerable due to low immunity. This is the reason why food items such as meat, grains, salt etc. are prohibited. Ayush theory suggests that food items such as the onion and salt can infuse negative energy and there are high chances of falling ill. 

However, the real question remains as to what to eat during the nine days of Navratri. Here is a guideline for the same:

Keep the hydration going

This goes without saying. The level of water consumption and beverages, in general, should be stepped up during this time. While frequent drinking of water comes real handy, drinking lemon water, coconut water, buttermilk and plain milk will ensure that your energy level does not drop and a person can run through the day without any lethargy.

Do not go empty stomach 

While rituals can be a binding, it should never be a hindrance to health. Going empty stomach for long can harm the body to a large extent. First, it creates acidity in a person and makes it difficult for a person to digest food when he consumes it. Second, staying empty stomach for too long can cause a tendency to vomit, and leads to nausea and headache.

Avoid fried food

Fried food might taste like heaven after a long day’s fast, but remember it does more harm than good. Food items such as aloo tikki, sabudana and papad are extremely popular among folks during this time, but they are very taxing for the stomach after the fast. Too much oil can lead to an upset stomach and dehydrate the body. Some healthier options include kheer and khichdi. Dairy products have the unique advantage of keeping the stomach full and maintaining normal body health.

Increase your intake of fruits

Fruits are one of the best options during the Navratri fasts. Some of the recommended fruit options include watermelon, apple, mango, musk melon etc. Fruits keep the tummy at peace without any harm. However, people suffering from high blood sugar should ensure that the portion size of fruit consumption is limited. Lemon and any type of citrus food should also be avoided during this time.

Opt for healthy vegetables

While most devotees follow a strict vegetarian diet, some vegetables should get the preference owing to their nutritious benefits to the body. Vegetables such as the potatoes, bottle gourds, pumpkins, carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumber etc. are extremely beneficial for the body. It should be kept in mind that vegetables are boiled or cooked in non-refined oil for a healthy fast. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult a Dietitian/Nutritionist.

Frequent Meals

Always try to have 3-4 frequent meals instead of 1 heavy meal. Heavy meals have an adverse effect on the digestive system as it has to work much for the digestion of food. While in the case of frequent meals, the digestive system has to work less and the food is digested easily.

Avoid Onion and Garlics

During the time of Navratri onions and garlic have to be avoided. Consumption of onion and garlic is strictly prohibited during the time of Navratri.

Avoid eggs and other non veg items

Consumption of any kind of non veg items is not at all allowed during the time of Navratri. 

Increase the intake of Fiber

One can increase the intake of fiber during fasting as it will help in keeping you full for a long period of time. The best fiber enriched items to eat during the fasting are kuttu ka atta, samak ke chawal, sabudana khichdi etc.

Get Enough Sleep

Fasting can also have an adverse effect on the body and so to avoid these adverse effects such as dizziness, headaches etc, one should have a proper sleep of 7-8 hours. 

Avoid Unhygienic foods

You should always avoid unhygienic food items such as deep fried food, packed food items etc. Instead of this one can opt in for hygienic and healthy food items that are homemade food or you can have roasted peanut, cashew, almonds, fox nut etc as they not only help you in being full but also they provide many essential nutrients which the body requires.

Be Patient

For some people Navratri fasting is quite easy and they enjoy it a lot. But there are some people who find it very difficult and hard to fast. So those people should not get annoyed or irritated about it, just think of the positive effects of it. Just focus on yourself and think I can and I will do it. Medication would also be beneficial in keeping you calm and patient.

Conclusion

Navratri is one of the most important festivals of Hindus. During this time people fast for nine days and worship Goddess Durga. While you fast in Navratri you should keep some points in your mind which have been described above. Hope that this article has enriched the reader's knowledge about Navratri Fasting and was beneficial and useful to him. 

ENJOY FASTING !