So you are all ready with your designer sari/ lehenga, jewellery; have send out invites to all your married friends for the puja and have even zeroed in on the menu. But did you know that fasts over this festive season (navratri, karva chauth) could take a toll on your health? Here are some health tips to remember so that you are not left feeling weak and depleted of energy. According to nutritionist Naini Setalvad, “One should choose the type of fast that suits their body best.”
The most common fasts are
The most common fasts are
- Surviving on water.
- Eating only fruits and vegetables.
- Eating only one meal a day.
- Giving up non-vegetarian food.
- Eating on alternate days.
Expert speak
“When you fast, a lot of toxins are released from the body,” Setalvad says. You will feel lethargic and moody, but those are just signs of toxics being released.
Nutritionist and fitness expert Asha Bachanni says fasting also helps in weight loss. “Carbohydrates and glucose in the body are used up during a fast. This then breaks down fat cells,” she says.
Fasting can help slow the aging process, adds Bachanni. “Normally, the body’s energy is used up by the digestion process. During fasting, the body focuses on cleansing, boosting the repair mechanism of the body,” she explains.
What to eat
Setalvad is against giving up food completely. “Eat apples, watermelon, raw cucumbers and carrots instead. Eating fruits and vegetables will give your body the essential nutrients it needs. Sprouts are a great addition,” she advises.
Setalvad also recommends incorporating rock salt and cold-pressed oils to your food to cut down on chemicals that enter your body. Giving up on water is an absolute no. Water helps in getting rid of those impurities trapped in your body are released during fasts.
But fasting isn’t that easy, you will go through some discomfort. In addition to feeling hungry and weak, I also went through emotional ups and downs.
Here are some fasting don’ts
“When you fast, a lot of toxins are released from the body,” Setalvad says. You will feel lethargic and moody, but those are just signs of toxics being released.
Nutritionist and fitness expert Asha Bachanni says fasting also helps in weight loss. “Carbohydrates and glucose in the body are used up during a fast. This then breaks down fat cells,” she says.
Fasting can help slow the aging process, adds Bachanni. “Normally, the body’s energy is used up by the digestion process. During fasting, the body focuses on cleansing, boosting the repair mechanism of the body,” she explains.
What to eat
Setalvad is against giving up food completely. “Eat apples, watermelon, raw cucumbers and carrots instead. Eating fruits and vegetables will give your body the essential nutrients it needs. Sprouts are a great addition,” she advises.
Setalvad also recommends incorporating rock salt and cold-pressed oils to your food to cut down on chemicals that enter your body. Giving up on water is an absolute no. Water helps in getting rid of those impurities trapped in your body are released during fasts.
But fasting isn’t that easy, you will go through some discomfort. In addition to feeling hungry and weak, I also went through emotional ups and downs.
Here are some fasting don’ts
- Don’t overdo it, once a week is more than enough.
- Don’t overeat the next day
- Don’t exercise except for an easy walk
- Don’t add sugar to any fresh juices you drink
- Don’t fast if you are on any sort of medication or are anemic.
It’s best to consult your doctor before you start any sort of fast. And remember- too much of a good thing is always bad.
Image and Article Credit: Idiva.com
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