To fast for Navratri successfully, follow these key guidelines:
- Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water, coconut water, fresh fruit juices, herbal teas, milk, buttermilk, or lassi to maintain energy and hydration.
- Eat nutrient-dense, sattvic foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds, dairy (yogurt, paneer), and flours like buckwheat (kuttu), amaranth (rajgira), or water chestnut (singhara) flour. These provide sustained energy and keep you full longer.
- Consume small, frequent meals instead of large meals to keep metabolism steady and avoid fatigue.
- Include fiber-rich foods and protein sources to aid digestion and muscle repair.
- Avoid onion, garlic, grains like wheat and rice, lentils, beans, meat, eggs, alcohol, deep-fried and sugary foods, and regular table salt. Use rock salt (sendha namak) and mild spices such as cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper instead.
- Plan meals ahead to avoid unhealthy choices, and choose light, easily digestible foods like sabudana khichdi, kuttu roti with vegetables, roasted makhana, and sweet potato chaat.
- Get enough rest (7-8 hours sleep) to help the body stay energetic and recover.
Types of fasting during Navratri include complete fasts (nirjala), fruit-based fasts (phalahar), partial fasting with one meal a day, or only liquid fasting. Choose a method that suits your health and capability. This balanced approach ensures the fast supports physical health, spiritual practice, and mental clarity during Navratri.
