PREPPING FOR A HEALTHY & ENERGETIC NAVARATRI. BY SIMRAN WADHWA

I am Simran Wadhwa a nutritionist at The Kenko Life.

Navratri is not just a spiritual celebration—it’s also a time when our eating habits shift due to fasting, feasting, and special rituals. While the season brings positivity and joy, it’s easy to feel drained if nutrition is not taken care of. With a little planning, you can stay energized, enjoy the festivities, and keep your health on track.

 1. Plan Your Meals Ahead: During Navratri, meals often include sattvik foods like fruits, milk, nuts, and gluten-free flours (singhara, rajgira, kuttu). Planning helps you avoid last-minute unhealthy snacking or overeating fried festival foods. Stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and fasting-friendly staples before the season begins.

2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is common during fasting, especially if caffeine intake is reduced. Drink plenty of water, coconut water, lemon water, or herbal teas. Adding soaked chia seeds or sabja seeds to drinks can also keep you full and refreshed.

 3. Choose Smart Energy Sources: Instead of relying only on fried vrat snacks, include-

• Dry fruits & nuts (almonds, walnuts, dates, raisins) for quick energy.

• Root vegetables (sweet potato, arbi) for sustained fuel.

• Gluten-free grains like samak rice and rajgira for wholesome meals.

  
  

4. Focus on Protein: Many fasting foods are carb-heavy, so balance your plate with protein:

• Paneer, curd, and milk-based dishes.

• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flax).

• Buckwheat (kuttu) flour recipes, which are naturally protein-rich.

5. Mindful Fasting: Fasting doesn’t mean feasting. Deep-fried chips, pooris, and sweets can leave you feeling sluggish. Instead, opt for roasted, steamed, or lightly sautéed foods. Use rock salt (sendha namak) in moderation.

Special Tips for Those Fasting:

• Start your day right: Break your morning fast with fruit, soaked nuts, or a warm glass of milk instead of fried foods.

• Small, frequent meals: Instead of one or two heavy meals, eat small portions every 3–4 hours to keep energy stable.

• Balance is key: Pair carbs (like samak rice) with protein (curd or paneer) and veggies for a complete meal.

• Watch portion sizes: Even if food is “vrat-friendly,” too much sugar, oil, or fried snacks can cause fatigue and bloating.

• Listen to your body: If you feel dizzy or extremely weak, don’t hesitate to adjust your fast in a way that supports your health.

6. Sweet Tooth Solutions: Festive sweets are tempting! Prepare healthier versions using jaggery, honey, or dates instead of refined sugar. Phool makhana kheer, fruit chaat with honey, or rajgira laddoos can satisfy cravings guilt-free.

7. Balance Ritual & Wellness: Remember, Navratri is about balance of body, mind, and soul. Light physical activity (like garba dancing!) and mindful eating keep your digestion smooth and your energy levels high.

Whether you’re fasting, feasting, or striking a balance, mindful eating is the secret to a vibrant Navratri. Prepare ahead, choose wholesome vrat foods, and stay hydrated—so you glow with energy and devotion throughout the nine days.

At Kenko Life, you can choose a variety of healthy meal options for your daily dose of nutrition. Call at – +91 901906245