If you are fasting for 9 days of Navratri, then know from the dietitian what should be your eating habits, to maintain energy throughout the day, health tips.

The Uncut


A large number of people keep fast during Navratri. But, it is not wise to ignore your health while fasting. Which food items should be included in the fruit diet, so that there is no deficiency of essential nutrition and energy in the body?

A large number of people keep fast during Navratri. This fast is not only an effective means of worshiping the mother but is also beneficial in terms of health. Actually, fasting one day a week is considered good for health because it keeps the digestive system healthy, gives relief to the stomach and also increases the metabolic rate. But some people start feeling more hungry while fasting and start eating more than usual. At the same time, some people feel so weak during fasting that they somehow complete the fast by lying down the whole day. In both these situations, the problem increases especially for women because eating too much either leads to weight gain or not eating anything leads to complete loss of energy. Both these situations are not good for health. In such a situation, let us know what things to include in your fruit diet so that your health is not compromised:

pearly sago

Sabudana, known as tapioca pulp, is eaten with great gusto during fasting. It contains very high amounts of carbohydrates and is also very easy to digest. This is the reason why children and patients are especially advised to eat it. Dishes like sago khichdi, kheer, tikki and papad will help you keep your stomach full for a long time.

Milk’s strength

Almost everyone likes milk, a storehouse of protein and calcium. Apart from being easily digestible, milk keeps one from feeling hungry for a long time and provides essential nutrition to the body. Consuming it in the form of milk shake or smoothie will help in keeping you energetic for a long time during the fast.

with sweet potatoes

This tuber belonging to the potato family is also famous by the name of sweet potato. High amount of fiber is found in it, which keeps digestion healthy. Apart from this, sweet potato also contains abundant reserves of carbohydrates, which prevents feeling hungry quickly. Dishes like sweet potato chaat and halwa are very much liked during the fast.

samak rice

Samak rice, which is very tasty and light in taste, is also called barnyard millet. It contains a considerable amount of carbohydrates along with amino acids, minerals and vitamins essential for the body, which maintains better energy levels in the body. Things like samak rice pulao, upma, kheer and khichdi are eaten with great gusto during the fast.

dried fruit essence

Dry fruits like almonds, cashews, makhana and raisins not only maintain the energy level in the body but also provide essential nutrition. This supplies protein, fiber and good fats to the body and also prevents untimely hunger.

effect of Rajgira

This nutritious grain, especially eaten during fasting, is also known by the name of Amaranth. It contains high amount of fiber. It is rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, which makes one feel full for a long time.

Seasonal Vegetables and Fruits

Eating a balanced diet is an essential condition for staying healthy, so it is very important to consume seasonal vegetables and fresh fruits daily. Therefore, even during fasting, include things like apple, banana, orange, cucumber, gourd, custard apple and spinach in your diet.

Diabetes patients should take special care

If you are a diabetic patient, then you need to pay special attention to your diet during the fast:

• Do not fast without eating or drinking anything and keep eating something at short intervals. Apart from fruits, low fat milk shake or smoothie can be taken. Apart from this, curd, buttermilk, low salt potato curry, lemon water, coconut water, lassi, cucumber, cucumber raita, vegetable soup, tomato dishes, handful of dry fruits can be eaten. Just avoid sweet and fried foods.

• Diabetic patients are more likely to have the glucose level in the body go up (hyperglycemia) or go down (hypoglycemia) during fasting. When glucose is unbalanced, symptoms like excessive sweating, increased heartbeat, weakness and nervousness may appear. If you feel like this, immediately dissolve glucose in water and drink it and keep checking the sugar level from time to time. Also, consult your doctor beforehand about the dosage of insulin.

(Based on a conversation with Shruti Bhardwaj, Senior Dietitian, Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad)

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