This Navratri learn how to eat healthy and stay healthy

Combine detoxification, mindfulness and self-discipline along with religious ritualistic belief to make the most of your navratra diet

 New Delhi, September 24,2017: The Navratri or Navratra is a nine-day festival in which the nine forms of the goddess Shakti are worshipped. Celebrated twice – once during the spring season and once during fall, it is marked by a strict regimen of fasting or partial fasting. Taking into account the scientific facts, it is during these phases of seasonal changes, that the body becomes vulnerable to diseases.  In order to steer clear of any illnesses during this time a good diet is essential. Combining detoxification, mindfulness and self-discipline along with religious ritualistic belief will strengthen the body and mind and ensure that one stays away from acidity, indigestion, lack of energy and drowsiness.

Ms Sandhya Pandey, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon provides the following tips to get the fasting process right:

 What to eat:

• Eat fruits, vegetables, low fat yogurt, milk and unsweetened beverages. These provide the body with various vitamins, minerals, phytonutrient and fibres.
• Adding low fat yogurt or milk, nuts and seeds is a good way to achieve the goal of eating varied, healthy food.
• Stay hydrated with fluids like coconut water, buttermilk, green tea, herbal tea and lemon water. These will help flush the toxins out of the body.
• Lunch can be heavy one however dinner should be kept light

What not to eat:

• One should avoid the ‘Navratra special’ fried stuff and snacks.  Without being aware of it, our calorie intake doubles.
• Milk or condensed milk should be taken in small quantities as it is loaded with saturated fats and calories.
• Alcohol and non-vegetarian food should be strictly avoided.
• Sweet beverages and desserts should be taken in restricted quantity to avoid calorie overload(add this line)

Following a diet is never easy. That is why it is essential to eat light, healthy and filling meals every two hours. The navratra diet can act as a precursor to inculcating better eating habits and living a healthier more energetic lifestyle.