As Chaitra Navratri approaches, many devotees eagerly prepare to begin the season of fasting and spiritual observance. Fasting on Chaitra Navratri is a major religious ritual observed by a large number of Hindus around the world. The Hindu New Year begins with Chaitra Navratri, a day dedicated to worshiping Goddess Durga Maa and all her incarnations. Devotees fast during these nine days to purify their souls and seek blessings related to success, health and wealth.
Chaitra Navratri fasting practices vary from person to person and region to region, but generally include avoiding grains, meat, dairy products, and certain spices. A complete fast, which involves not eating or drinking anything during the day and breaking the fast after sunset with a small meal called “Falahar”, is an option for some people.
Some people choose to observe a partial fast, in which they skip grains and large meals but still eat fruits, milk, nuts, and other approved foods. On these auspicious days devotees can seek the blessings of the Goddess by visiting temples, reciting hymns and offering special prayers.
Traditional fasting may involve eating lots of fried and heavy food, but choosing healthier options can improve physical and spiritual aspects of one’s life.
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Here are some tips for fasting that emphasize healthy choices:
Select complex carbs:
Complex carbs, which give you steady energy and feel fuller for longer, include sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, and oats. In addition, the low glycemic index of these foods helps prevent a sharp rise in blood sugar levels.
Include foods high in protein:
To increase muscle health and satiety, include protein-rich foods in your fasting meals, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, and cheese. Protein promotes feelings of fullness and helps regulate blood sugar levels, helping people avoid overeating.
Follow whole foods:
Try to include whole foods in your fasting meals instead of only processed or fried foods. Nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, nuts and seeds can keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
Check out the plant-based alternatives:
Try these plant-based alternatives to certain fasting foods. To enjoy traditional favorites, consider roasted vegetable patties, air-fried sweet potato fries, or baked chickpeas instead of fried chickpeas.
Make Hydration a Priority:
Drink plenty of water, herbal tea and coconut water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Sustaining energy levels, promoting healthy digestion, and eliminating toxins from the body all depend on adequate hydration.
Eat wisely
To curb hunger during meals, choose nutrient-dense snacks. For a filling and nutritious snack, try fresh fruit, mixed nuts, berry yogurt or homemade energy bars with dates, nuts and seeds.
Mindful Cooking Methods:
Explore other cooking techniques such as baking, grilling, steaming, or deep-frying instead of deep-frying. These methods reduce excess fat and calories without sacrificing the original flavor and minerals of the food.
Organize a balanced meal:
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals should all be included in your balanced fasting meal. To make your meals reflect your nutritional needs, aim for a vibrant range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant-based proteins.
Pay attention to your body:
When you eat, pay attention to hunger and fullness in your body. When making deliberate decisions that support your physical and spiritual health, pay attention to your body’s needs and preferences.
Include spices and herbs:
Use herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cumin and coriander to add more flavor to your fasting food. These ingredients not only provide depth to food but also have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties beneficial to health.
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