SHARDIYA NAVRATRI 2023: The auspicious occasion of Navratri is here. The celebration is incomplete without observing the fast and the Garba party. Everyone is excited to kick-start the nine-day-long festive season with joy and fervour. These nine days of Navratri are dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga, where people come together to worship the divine feminine energy and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Among the Navratri celebrations, one of the important elements is practicing fasting. Fasting for nine days may seem challenging, as it involves refraining from foods like alcohol, onions, garlic, and meat. But if well-planned, you may reap the benefits of the holy festival, both spiritually and health-wise.
So, if you plan to observe the fast for all days of Navratri, here is a list of tips that will help you fast better and keep you energetic:
Do not starve yourself
Starving has become the most common myth during fasting. Many people avoid eating food or even drink water that leads to gastric problems, weakness, fatigue, and headaches. So, rather cutting yourself completely from eating, keep eating small portions of food like nuts, seeds, or fruits.
Hydration
Fasting is the perfect time to consume liquid calories and keep your body hydrated that one shouldn’t miss. In some parts of the country, especially in Gujarat, Navratri means dancing to the beats of Garba and doing Dandiya which requires a lot of energy and may lead to dehydration. So, staying hydrated is an extremely important step. Sipping fluids like water, juices, natural fruit juices, coconut water and buttermilk will provide you satiety and boost your energy levels.
Also, instead of coffee, consume herbal teas like Lemongrass, Jasmine, Peppermint, Green Tea to name a few. It has various health benefits and will ensure proper digestion during the fasting period.
Switch To Fruits And Healthy Greens
Use this opportunity to detoxify your body, mind and show self-discipline. Since Navratri is a 9-day long festival, it is not possible for many people to keep a strict fast. So, in order to fuel the body, increase the intake of fresh, seasoned fruits and healthy veggies. Consume nutrient-rich vegetables like cucumber, bottle gourd, pumpkin, and spinach and fruits like watermelon, bananas, and papayas that will satiate your hunger and keep your body healthy as well.
Eat Small Portions
If you eat three large meals during the day, then try opting for smaller and more frequent meals and do not starve for prolonged hours. So, have small portions of fruits, nuts, makhanas (Fox nuts), and juices to avoid feeling any sort of discomfort, including weakness, fatigue, or headaches. These small portions at small intervals of time will not only give your body doses of energy but will also keep boredom at bay till the end of the day.
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Get Enough Sleep
The festive celebrations and fasting can leave you feeling tired, sleepy, or dizzy. Hence, another major health tip one must take care of is to try to avoid unnecessary stress and get ample rest as and when required. It is important to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep at night to maintain your energy levels. However, taking 15–20-minute power naps will help you rejuvenate your system during fasting and keep energy levels balanced.
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