Navratri starts when the season changes. Change in the season has different effects on our physical, mental and spiritual levels.
Scientifically, during this change of season, our immune system becomes weaker and the body becomes more vulnerable to toxins. Observing fast during this time balances our energy and connects us to the Mother Goddess.
As per modern language, fasting is like a “detox diet”, removing toxins, giving rest and making our body equip for internal and external changes.
But during fasting days, malnutrition conditions occur. For example, sudden dropping calories calories per day can lead to uncomfortable hunger pangs and irritability, and can make it harder to concentrate and complete tasks. On the other hand overconsumption of empty calories like tea/ coffee, soda, fried snacks results in acidity, indigestion, water retention, overweight. Both can hamper organs like the brain, liver and thyroid functioning.
Few Suggestions/Guidelines to follow fast: 9 Principles to Consider while Following Fast
Remember that god lies in our body only. So focus should be on the nourishing body rather than starving.
It’s a good opportunity to chose Satvik food (literally means which has sattva – nutrients, moderate quantity and simple to digest) and abstains from rajasic (a stimulant) and tamsik (sedative) foods.
In short, we should have high nutritive foods like fresh and local fruits, fresh milk and homemade dairy products, local grains, and veggies. And avoid meat, egg, onion, and garlic, and alcoholic beverage, spicy and stale food.
Although you're fasting, it is important to take care of regular meal timings. Fruits/ dry fruits – Nuts – Milk & milk products – Veggies – Grains should be equally placed as meals/snacks at equal hours gap.
During fast people prefer fasting grains (kuttu, rajkeera, sama/vari, singhara, rice, sago), potato, sweet potato and vegetables to be eaten only once a day. You may prefer to make combinations like Potato peanut vegetables, Sama khichadi with curd, Sweet potato milk porridge, Raw banana paneer Tikki or simply just Dal rice at this meal. This helps to create satiety and avoids hunger pangs later.
Mostly it is observed that people completely forget to eat veggies and salads on the fasting menu. Pumpkin, bottle gourd, raw papaya, cucumber are considered in the fasting food list so remember to include them every day.
Liquids like coconuts water, lime water, buttermilk and plain water are a must to include. It will help to avoid dehydration and exhaustion.
Nuts, Coconut pieces are the best fasting snack option than deep fry foods like farali chivada, sabudana vada, rajgira puri, wafers. Fried food creates bloating, and gases which erase the purpose of fast.
As you are eating satvik food for nine days, it should never be broken suddenly next days by eating heavy meal including meat, bread, processed foods, spicy food, alcohol) because these heavy foods put a severe strain and shock on the digestive organs which have been resting throughout the fast. Eating too heavily after a fast can produce serious discomfort (stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and weakness) and can nullify the physical benefits of fasting. Introducing these foods should be gradual and need to exercise watchful self-control.
Remember the main purpose of fasting is to win mastery over our senses (like food pleasure, negative reactions) and focuses our mind on inner wellbeing.
*** These are generalized guidelines. Planning out Meal Plan as per your health, lifestyle needs and fasting rituals should be done under Dietitian.
Write up By Dietitian Prachi A. Managute
Whatsaap no- 9869418158
www.amtopmfitness.com
Very nicely explained.
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