Navratri is a time to worship the goddess Durga, and many devotees choose to fast during this festival. Fasting can be a great way to detoxify your body, but it can also make you feel lethargic and tired.
Here are some fun and quirky tips to help you get through it:
Eat healthy
When you wake up and your stomach is growling like a hungry lion, it's time to break your fast with a nutritious meal. But don't just reach for anything in sight. You want to start your day off right with something that will give you energy and keep you feeling full until lunchtime.
Embrace Sattvic Foods:
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Choose a vibrant mix of colorful fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, bananas, leafy greens, carrots, beets, and pumpkins.
Whole Grains: Opt for easily digestible grains like buckwheat (kuttu), tapioca pearls (sabudana), and sago (sabudana khichdi is a popular option).
Nuts & Seeds: Include almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, and flaxseeds for healthy fats and protein.
Dairy Products (limited): Low-fat yogurt (plain or with chopped fruits) and paneer (cottage cheese) can provide protein and calcium.
Cold milk for acidity
Nine days of belly-cleansing will definitely help to detoxify your body, but diet changes while fasting can lead to sour tummy or backed-up belly in some people. To deal with it, drink some moo juice and keep acidity at bay. You can drink it at around 4 pm or at night. You can also add lemony goodness or yogurt-y goodness to your diet to deal with this problem.
Fruits for fibre
Two to three servings of fruit will keep you hydrated and give you the roughage you need to keep your number two moving smoothly. Add in some yellow goodness (banana), orange goodness (papaya), red goodness (apple), and sour goodness (citrus fruits like orange). Lemonade throughout the day is also a great idea, especially for soaking up iron man from your nom noms.
Nuts for fats
Hey nuts! Don't forget to munch on a handful of unsalted nuts throughout the day, like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios. And when you're ready to break your fast in the morning, add a spoonful of ghee or cold-pressed coconut oil to your food. You can also snack on unsweetened dried fruits like dates, figs, and raisins. This diet doesn't include any veggies, so soaking your dried fruits overnight can help with your gut health.
Coconut water
Coconut water and bananas are also great foods to eat during a fast. They're both packed with electrolytes and nutrients, which can help you stay hydrated and energized.
Stay Hydrated:
Water: Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily. Set reminders or carry a reusable water bottle to ensure consistent hydration.
Coconut Water: Replenishes electrolytes lost through sweating, especially beneficial during warmer weather.
Buttermilk (Chhaach): Aids digestion and keeps you cool with its probiotic properties.
Herbal Teas: Enjoy calming teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger for a soothing and flavorful experience.
These fun and quirky tips are sure to add joy and deliciousness to your Navratri festivities. Try them out and share the love with your family and friends. Happy Navratri!