Navaratri 2023: The annual Hindu festival, Navratri is here and people across India are pumped for this joyous celebration. During this 9-day long festival, many women observe a fast by eating only a certain set of foods.

Fasting is practiced for various reasons, including religious, spiritual, or health purposes. During the fasting period, people avoid consuming regular meals and often limit their intake to specific foods or liquids.

According to experts, fasting can have both negative and positive impact on health depending upon the type and duration of fasting.

Ruchika Jain, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj told Financial Express.com that Fasting can have various health benefits when done safely and mindfully.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider when fasting:

Do’s:

  • It’s crucial to speak with your healthcare professional if you have any pre-existing medical concerns to make sure this won’t be harmful to you.
  • If you’ve never fasted before, start with shorter fasts and work your way up to longer ones as your body adjusts. By doing this, possible negative effects may be reduced.
  • To avoid becoming dehydrated throughout your fast, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
  • Select a fasting technique that works for you: There are several different ways to fast, including time-restricted eating, water fasting, and intermittent fasting. Choose the one that fits your objectives.
  • Plan your meals and eating window in advance if you’re going to be intermittently fasting to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet during that period.
  • Include foods high in fiber: During fasting, include whole grains, fruits, and veggies in your diet to make you feel satisfied and full.

Don’ts:

  • Avoid overeating when breaking a fast: It’s important to break a fast gradually rather than by consuming large, heavy meals right away, as this might cause discomfort in the digestive tract.
  • Excessive exercise during prolonged fasts might cause exhaustion and hydration problems. Remain with mild exercise.
  • Extended or severe fasting can have negative impacts on one’s health and cause vitamin shortages. In general, prolonged fasts without medical supervision are advised to be avoided.
  • If you are nursing a baby or pregnant, avoid fasting: You risk depriving both your unborn child and your body of vital nutrients if you fast during pregnancy or while nursing. For advice, speak with a medical practitioner.
  • Prefer healthy food rather than deep fried foods while breaking a fast.