The festivities of Navratri begin shortly. Along with the fun and frolic of garba, it also brings along the nine-day fasting routine. In order to maintain good health, it is imperative that you follow a healthy diet and fast in a safe manner.

Is fasting healthy? Many may wonder if going on a nine-day fast is indeed healthy for our bodies. Yes, it is an extremely healthy practice as long as you do not starve yourself. Fasting helps you cleanse and detoxify your body and mind. All you need to do is fast in the correct manner by eating small meals frequently and select healthy eating options.

Bad effects of not fasting properly:

Many people who fast also go to play garba or dandiya in the evenings. Since this requires stamina and energy, it is vital that you fast in a proper manner in order to enjoy the festivities and not strain your body’s health. Some of the ill-effects of not fasting properly are:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Fainting due to a drop in blood sugar level
• Unable to sleep properly
• Lack of stamina
• Tiredness

Who should avoid fasting?

We suggest diabetics and pregnant woman avoid this fast as it can cause a drop in the blood sugar levels which is not conducive in both the cases.

1.) Breakfast options (choose any one)

• Fruits shake with wet almonds.
• Fruits with cream of milk.
• Amaranth porridge with nuts.

2.) Mid-morning options (choose any one)

• Green tea with water.
• Lemon water with fruits.
• Coconut water with fruits.

3.) Lunch options (choose any one)

• Baked sabudana tikkis with veggies and curd.
• Grilled Vadas with mint spicy chutney.
• Kuttu chapatti with vegetables and salad with raita.
• Samak rice with vegetables and salad.

4.) Post Lunch

• Drink a cup of hot green tea.

5.) Evening time

• Green tea with baked chips or roasted makhana or baked namkeen.
  

6.) Dinner (choose any one)

• Paneer tikka with vegetables.
• Milk with fruits.
• A bowl of vegetables and salad.
• Pumpkin and bottle gourd soup with vegetables.

 

Here is the collection of Farali recipes which you can have during fasting. All fruits and foodstuff made of fruits are eaten during the seven days. The devotees, who have taken fast, would get up early in the morning, take bath and worship to the Maa Durga.

People follow a specific diet for Navratri special, if they haven’t observed a nirahar means water-less fast. Special in Gujarati people may not eat onion, garlic, wheat, rice, vegetables etc.

They take beverages like tea, coffee, and milk, on Navratri. Dishes made of sago, potato, and Singhare ka atta, kuttu ka atta is generally consumed by the people, when they observe fast on Navratri.

Sendha namak as rock salt is used instead of common salt, for cooking on the festival. All fruits and foodstuff made of fruits are eaten during the seven days.

Here is the Gujrati farali recipes..

• Sabudana Khichdi
• Mandvi Paak
• Singhoda ni Kheer
• Moriyaani Khichadi
• Dudhi no halvo
• Suran Bataka ni khichadi
• Potato Rosti
• Potato Wafers
• Farali Batata vada

South indian navaratri festival recipes..

• Rice Payasam
• Carrot Payasam
• Lemon Rice
• Besan Ladoo
• Vermiceli Kheer
• Udipi Sambar
• Drumstick Rasam
• Idli recipe