Navratri special: How to fast the healthy way

The festivities of Navratri begin from October 5 onwards. Along with the fun and frolic of garba, it also brings along the nine-day fasting routine. In order to maintain good health, it is imperative that you follow a healthy diet and fast in a safe manner. Nutritionist Neha Chandna shells out some tips and a diet plan for healthy fasting this Navratri.

Is fasting healthy?

Many may wonder if going on a nine-day fast is indeed healthy for our bodies. According to Neha, it is an extremely healthy practice as long as you don’t starve yourself. Fasting helps you cleanse and detoxify your body and mind. All you need to do is fast is the correct manner by eating small meals frequently and then eating your main meal at night post sunset. (Read: Navratri special: Turn fasting into feasting this festive season)

Healthy Navratri diet plan

Start your day with a cup of green tea and two dates
For breakfast, eat fruits, nuts and raisins
Have milkshake/ kheer/ coconut water around noon
For lunch, opt for saudana khichdi/ rajgira roti with lauki/ arbi sabzi and a glass of chhaas with rock salt
Mid afternoon, have fruit yoghurt
In the evening, eat aloo chat or aloo palak salad
For dinner, start with vegetable soup, a bowl of salad with kuttu ka atta/rajgira roti and sabzi followed by low-fat lauki halwa or carrot halwa
Before sleeping, have a glass of skimmed milk
Recently, there was a controversy that one should avoid eating fruits during fasts. In my belief, fruits are the most sacred food on earth! They are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and natural sugar which make them ideal to consume during a fast.

Ill-effects of not fasting properly

Many people who fast also go to play garba or dandiya in the evenings. Since this requires stamina and energy, it is vital that you fast in a proper manner in order to enjoy the festivities and not strain your body’s health. Some of the ill-effects of not fasting properly are:

Weakness and fatigue
Fainting due to drop in blood sugar level
Unable to sleep properly
Lack of stamina
Tiredness

Who should avoid fasting?

I suggest diabetics and pregnant woman avoid this fast as it can cause a drop in the blood sugar levels which is not conducive in both the cases.

timesofap.com wishes everyone a happy and healthy Navratri!