NINE NIGHTS OF FASTING RIGHT
This Navratri, say no to fried, snack on nuts and go for innovative, healthy meals. Experts tell you how to stay fit and active this festive season
Navratri, the ninenight Hindu festival that celebrates forms of the goddess Durga, begins tomorrow. If you’re looking to fast during this period — an activity that is believed to purify your mind and soul along with your body — here are some expert tips from nutritionists Harshita Dilawri and Avni Kaul to help you stay fit and healthy. Also, chef Nishant Choubey shares some vrat-perfect recipes.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
Eat small meals at regular intervals to keep your metabolism running. Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. You can also have green tea, infused water or coconut water. Lemon and mint can be also be infused in water. Have it early in the morning as it cleanses and detoxifies your body. Lassi, smoothies and yogurt keep you full and hydrated.
Avoid fried food as frying kills the nutrients in food. Roast or bake instead. Also, avoid pakoras and namkeen — have walnuts, pistachios, almonds or roasted makhanas as snacks instead. You can also munch on a mixture of pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and raisins. Sabudana khichdi should also be avoided as it shoots up the sugar level. Go for kuttu rotis in place of puris, since buckwheat absorbs a lot of oil.
The flour otherwise is extremely rich in dietary fibre, calcium and protein. Amaranth flour is another option for rotis since it is lighter and much lower in calories.
Opt for skimmed or double toned milk instead of whole milk. But make sure you don’t have too much milk. Two servings of milk or milk products in a day is enough.
Also limit your potato intake. But since they are a Navratri staple, mix them with lauki to make muthias.