Latest Updated- 29th Sept, 2023

The most divine, auspicious, and fun-filled celebrations of dance, music and tasty delicacies is around the corner. This is the perfect time to fulfill your weight-loss goals by eating clean, flushing out harmful toxins from the body, and enhancing your overall health. You have guessed it right! We are talking about the popular Hindu festival- Sharad Navratri here.

These holy nine days signify the victory of good over evil. People worship Goddess Durga, observe fasting, and follow satvik diet which is also free from onion and garlic. Regardless of the Navratri festival, fasting is itself an ideal way to rejuvenate, detoxify, and get a positive mindset.

That being said, we can’t ignore the fact that our energy tends to go down due to the sudden change in our regular diet. Limitation to certain food choices affects how we feel throughout the day. Moreover, the festive celebrations leave us tired and under unnecessary stress which makes the whole situation a bit challenging.

For this reason, it is essential to know a few Navratri rules to enjoy the nine days both spiritually and health-wise. We did a little research and listed below some of the important things that you should do and avoid during the Navratri festival while fasting.

Happy scrolling!

Do’s of Navratri Fasting:

1. Do Hydrate

One of the most important steps that one shouldn’t miss while fasting is staying hydrated. To maintain an adequate level of body fluids, keep drinking plenty of water. It will also help to maintain your energy level so that you keep going throughout the day.

You can also drink other healthy beverages like fresh cold-pressed juices including Pomegranate Juice, Orange Juice & Green Mix Juice. Other than this, buttermilk, lemon honey water & coconut water also makes good options to stay hydrated, get the essential nutrients, and stay active during these nine days of festivity. Drink water before eating food is also good to avoid overeating and support weight management.

2. Do Sleep Well

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Doing a good round of Dandiya & Garba, preparing regular Navratri meal, and unnecessary stress is enough to become a cause of discomfort while fasting. However, if you enjoy a good night sleep, you will definitely wake up the next day will better energy and mood.

It is important to take proper rest for the body so ensure 7-8 hours of sleep everyday otherwise you may experience low-energy levels, fatigue, and dizziness during the day. Regardless of fasting, you must take a good night sleep everyday to stay healthy and fit in the long run. So, avoid stress and take ample rest!

3. Do Eat Energy-Boosting Food

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One of the major Navratri rules is to eat food that gives a boost of energy. The change in eating patterns is normal to make us feel tired. The golden rule is to eat energy-boosting food which helps to keep our energy levels high and makes fasting a lot more fun.

With proper planning, you will be able to maintain your energy throughout the day. So, add those foods in the diet which help to cope with the sudden change in eating plan. Kuttu ka atta, Sabudana, Singhara Atta, Dry Fruits, Nuts, and Fruits chaat are some of the many energy-boosting foods which you can devour during the divine days of Navratri to stay alert and active.

4. Do Stretch A Bit

It is completely safe to exercise during fasting. Yoga or meditation is perfect to help you physically, mentally, and spiritually. Avoid rigorous exercise like cardio because of lower energy levels you may experience discomfort. Take a walk during the morning or stretch a bit during the lunch break to keep yourself active and energized while fasting.

Don’ts Of Navratri Fasting:

1. Don’t Consume Refined Sugar

Sugar cravings go high during fasting. By now, we all know that refined sugar is harmful for our health, and Navratri time is the best to cut back on it and take a much needed break. But, we are not asking you to completely get rid of sugar rather indulge in healthier and naturally sweet options to satisfy the sweet cravings that will not hurt you. Given below are a few sweet options which are safe to eat during the Navratri celebration

• Fresh seasonal fruits
• Organic honey
• Natural Cold-pressed Juices
• Jaggery
• Dry Fruits/Nuts

2. Don’t Starve Yourself

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Fasting rules are different for everyone. While there are many people who binge eat Navratri special recipes, there are a handful of other people who starve to death in the name of fasting. You must know that starving for prolonged hours will only lead to discomfort, tiredness, headache, and fatigue.

Therefore, avoid starving for too long instead eat small meals at regular intervals which include nuts, dried fruits, chemical-free juices or fruit chaat. These Vrat-friendly foods will keep you full for longer thus curb hunger and help in weight management, too. Avoid overeating because rather than losing weight it will contribute to it, which is certainly what we don’t desire from fasting, Right?

3. Don’t Drink Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is entirely forbidden during these nine auspicious days. Alcohol comes under tamsic food like onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian foods so strictly refrain from consuming any of these foods. However, irrespective of the occasion, one should completely cut down the intake of alcohol as it can hazardous to the health with some serious health issues like heart stroke, high blood pressure, weakening of the immune system, certain types of cancer.

Final Thoughts

Take this Navratri 2023 as an opportunity to detoxify and prevent long-term health issues. Avoid buying Vrat-friendly packaged food items as it mostly contains preservatives which we should not be eating during fasting. Rely on fresh, pure, and homemade Navratri special food or order from some organic home-style meal service which is serving carefully crafted Navratri special meals.

Get enough rest, follow the above-highlighted suggestions and kick start the festive season with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm.

On behalf of the entire OMJOOS team, wishing you and your family a great Navratri celebration ahead!!