Fasting During Navratri Can Help You Lose Weight
Navratri is the nine-day celebration where special attention is given to the fasting and feasting. It is important to consider some dietary modifications during the festival so that it can help in losing extra muscle mass from the body. During Navratri, most non-vegetarians switch to a vegetarian diet so it helps in avoiding high-calorie foods which can then help in weight loss.
Some healthy tips to lose weight during Navratri:
Green vegetables: During fasting, green vegetables should be a part of the diet as it gives the required energy to the individual and also provides the essential vitamins A, B and C. It can be taken in the form of vegetable juice, salads, tomatoes etc. As these are healthy options during fasting.
Fruits: Fruits are the best source to bring down cholesterol levels. Fruits like papaya, apple, guava, pomegranate as it is ideal for maintaining the cholesterol levels. Fruits also increase the fibre content in the body.
Fried foods: Avoid eating fried preparations like pooris, pakoras during fasting so replace these with healthy options like buckwheat cheelas or buckwheat and lentil salads, buckwheat chapattis etc. It should be taken in the proper and limited amount to maintain a healthy weight.
Fibres: Always add fibres to carbohydrates like Sabudana/Samak rice remember to add lots of veggies to it like grated carrots which can add taste as well as fibre to the diet. Don’t add potatoes to it as it will increase the calorie content.
Water: Water helps to keep the body hydrated as well as it helps in weight loss. During Navratri, drink lots of water and other fluids like coconut water, lemon water etc.
Grains: To reduce weight reduce the calorie consumption through grains like kuttu flour and singhara flour on end of the fasting day instead eat more of vegetables and fruits throughout the day.
Cooking oil: It is recommended to use olive oil instead of cooking in ghee which never helps in weight loss.
Infused water: Infused water helps to detoxify the body like mint water, cucumber water or fruit infused water instead of plain water. For fruit infused water, soak 100g of fruit in 300 ml of water overnight.
Jasmine tea: It helps to prevent water retention and it can be taken during fasting instead of black coffee, green tea. Always drink milk at bedtime as it is a good protein and detoxify the body.
Navratri fasting is the opportunity to lose weight as there are many benefits of fasting are detoxification, rest from vital body mechanism, cleansing of body organs and balancing metabolic constituents.