Navratri Fasting During Covid-19

Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals. The Chaitra Navratri that marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar has started and many people around the country are celebrating it and fasting for nine days. But coronavirus has made the situation a little tough. People are confused about whether they should fast or not. So here is what experts say and how you should fast this time:

• Doctors say one of the best ways to keep yourself safe from coronavirus is by leveling up your immunity. So if you are planning to fast, make sure not to stay hungry for a long time. Eat fruits, buttermilk, nuts, coconut water and water to keep yourself hydrated.

They also suggest HEAD START:

H – Hydrate well.

E – Eat smaller, lighter and fresh foods.

A – Adequate sleep is essential.

D – Dried fruits and nuts to keep you satiated well.

S – Some seinda namak in your butter milk.

T – Take breaks from screen time.

A – Add up proteins to fast meals by including some curd, milk, chenna.

R – Rehydrate with one glass of water every one hour with a dash of citrus fruit like oranges, lemons, sweet lime in it.

T – Try some turmeric in milk at bedtime.

• Experts say it is completely safe to fast during Navratri this time. This nine days fasting is a very healthy process and is good for boosting our immunity, which is our major concern at the moment. Fasting gives us a break from gluten and that’s good as this eases our digestion and lets the body function more efficiently”. But eat light and stay away from fried food at this point. Add enough fiber via fruits in your diet and hydrate yourself.

• Dieticians recommend six tips to follow in case you are fasting this Navratri.

• Stay hydrated
• Do not eat fatty foods
• Start your day with dry fruits and nuts
• Avoid outside food
• Have dinner early

• Snack on peanuts, makhana and roasted nuts.
• Keep sipping tulsi water throughout the day
• Have at least 100 grams of paneer

• Avoid having boiled aloo and aloo pakoda every time
• Have singhara rotis as it is full of fiber.

• Do not starve yourself, ensure that you get fiber-rich foods, drink water, store fruits and avoid sugar.

Stay inside, stay safe!