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Chaitra Navratri involves a 9-day fast for Maa Durga. Dietitian advises staying hydrated, eating fruits, dry fruits, sago, and buckwheat flour. Avoid sugar and excess oil
Fasting for 9 days can impact health, so it’s essential to plan a balanced diet to maintain well-being. (News18)
Chaitra Navratri 2025: Chaitra Navratri is approaching, and these nine days are dedicated to Maa Durga. Devotees observe a 9-day fast to seek her blessings. However, fasting for nine days can potentially affect health. Therefore, it is crucial to plan a healthy diet to maintain well-being.
Though fasting has health benefits, going completely hungry can be risky. Prolonged hunger during fasting can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, causing weakness. The key question is, what should one eat during the Navratri fast to manage blood pressure and prevent obesity?
Advice For Navratri Fasting
Khushboo Sharma, a Clinical Senior Dietitian at the Diet for Delight Clinic in Noida, provides valuable dietary advice for News18. Here are her tips to maintain health during the 9-day fast:
- Stay Hydrated: To prevent dehydration and low blood pressure, drink plenty of water, lemonade, coconut water, and buttermilk throughout the day.
- Include Fruits and Dry Fruits: These are rich in fibre and natural sugars, providing energy and helping regulate blood pressure. Eat something light every 2-3 hours.
- Opt for Healthy Foods: Sago, water chestnut flour, buckwheat flour, and potatoes are good choices during the fast. Additionally, consume protein-rich foods like peanuts, curd, and cheese.
- Avoid Sugar and Excessive Oil: Refrain from sugary and fried foods as they can hinder weight loss. Maintain a balanced intake of salt, using only rock salt, as excessive salt can raise blood pressure.
- Balanced Diet: If you have low blood pressure, avoid fasting for the entire day without food. Ensure you have a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Light Exercise: Engage in light yoga or walking during Navratri to aid in weight management.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a healthy and safe fasting period during Chaitra Navratri.