11 Tips to stay healthy during 9 days of Navratri 2022

Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals. The festival that spans across nine nights is a celebration of good over evil. Furthermore, it also marks a shift in the season. Many devotees observe a fast during Navratri to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga for themselves and their families. According to Ayurveda, fasting is also recommended to flesh out all the toxins from your body and get your body ready for the new season.

There are a lot of variations in which you can observe a fast during Navratri. You can either fast for nine days or choose to observe a fast for the first two or last two days. 

Health Benefits of Fasting

There are a lot of benefits of fasting during Navratri. 

1. It resets your metabolism 

All the permitted foods to eat during fasting help you in tuning your body’s metabolism to adjust to climatic change. This facilitates better immunity and enhanced energy levels. 

2. It helps in boosting heart health 

Since Navratri fasts are all about selective and timely eating, it helps in safeguarding your heart health and working on high cholesterol levels. 

3. It enables you to detoxify your body 

By incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your Navratri diet, you can effectively detoxify your body and facilitate overall good health. 

Healthy Foods to Eat during Navratri

There are a number of healthy foods to eat during fasting that you can prepare for yourself and your family. 

1. Fox Nuts /Makhanas

Fox nuts or Lotus seeds have been given the status of superfoods. (1) Makhanas are suitable for promoting healthy weight loss and are permitted for consumption during Navratri fasting. 

2. Fruits

Fruits have impressive fibre and water content. They help you in feeling full and keep untimely hunger pangs at bay. 

3. Amaranth 

Amaranth atta can be used to make chapatis and dosas during Navratri. You can even buy Amaranth mini bars (cardamom) in delicious flavours from I Say Organic as the perfect Navratri snack. 

4. Nuts / Dry Fruits

Nuts are a great option to indulge your taste buds while you are fasting. Nuts are nutritious and packed with all the necessary nutrients to keep you charged through the day. 

5. Healthy flours

Since wheat and rice cannot be consumed during Navratri, people usually opt for different flour options to cook. Water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), Amaranth flour, and Kuttu ka atta are some of the preferred flour options during Navratri.

Tips & Ways to Stay Healthy & Fit during Navratri

If you are looking for tips to stay healthy during Navratri, then we suggest that you read along.

1. Be careful of your food choices 

If you are fasting during Navratri, it is advisable to opt for food options that are wholesome and healthy. Try opting for flour such as Kuttu ka Atta which is full of essential nutrients and impressive fibre content. 

2. Stay hydrated

It is advisable to make a categorical effort to stay hydrated throughout the day so that you can replenish the ideal levels of hydration in your body. This will also help you in feeling fresh and full. 

3. Make fruits and vegetables a part of your diet

Try incorporating more fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, fruit smoothies and other fresh and healthy options in your Navratri diet plan. 

4. Control your food portion size 

While having your Navratri meal, ensure that you don't go overboard in terms of your food portion size. Normally, when a person is fasting, they tend to want more during the stipulated interval. It is advisable to make a conscious effort not to overeat. 

5. Stay away from fried food 

Opt for nourishing food options instead of deep-fried recipes that will make you pile on extra pounds. 

6. Keep a check on your potato intake 

Potatoes are a quintessential Navratri food option. Since it is a very versatile ingredient, it can be cooked in a number of ways. Having said that, they are also high in calories, and one should be careful about their intake throughout the day. 

7. Take proper rest 

Getting adequate sleep and rest intervals throughout the day will help you stay fit during the Navratri festivities. 

8. Stay active 

It is advisable to go for regular walks to keep your body active and agile during the Navratri season. 

9. Snack on nuts instead of packaged or fried snacks

Look for smarter and healthier ways to satiate your taste buds during Navratri. For example, you can have fox nuts instead of fried snacks to take care of your hunger pangs. 

10. Control your sugar intake 

If you are a fan of paneer malpua or sabudana kheer and are constantly looking for ways to make them a part of your Navratri meal, then you are advised to control your sugar intake. Too many desserts will make you heavier and unhealthy. Always remember that moderation is the key to health and happiness. 

11. Plan your meals in advance 

It is always a good idea to plan your meals in advance so that you don’t end up indulging in heavy-duty or unhealthy eating. 

FAQs

Q1: Can we eat spices during Navratri? 

Spices such as Hing, garam masala, turmeric, coriander powder etc., are prohibited while preparing Navratri dishes. Having said that, you can use spices like nutmeg, green cardamom, black pepper etc.

Q2: If I observe a fast during Navratri, will I lose weight? 

You won't lose unnecessary weight due to Navratri fasting if you eat well and choose your food options wisely. It's all about being articulate about your food choices and avoiding extra fried or sugary food.

Q3: How to keep yourself feeling full while fasting? 

Stay hydrated and consume protein in the form of nuts, paneer, curd etc., to stay healthy and feel full while observing your Navratri fast. There are plenty of options for you to choose from when it comes to Navratri food items and therefore finding something delicious and healthy shouldn't be a problem.

Q4: Can we consume tea or coffee during Navratri fast? 

Yes, you can consume tea and coffee during Navratri fast. It is advisable to opt for homemade tea and coffee instead of packaged ones. 

Q5: Can I consume Navratri food if I am not fasting? 

Yes, anyone can consume Navratri food. In fact, it is a highly preferred option for many people because of its fantastic health benefits and outstanding taste.

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