With the festival season taking one and all in its fervour, we all want to be a part of it in some or the other way. Fasting during festivals is considered auspicious, and many people observe this ritual as a way to honor tradition and spirituality. But you might want to reconsider following it if you are pregnant. Given below are few tips to be followed for a healthy and safe approach when you choose to fast.
Healthy foods to consume during Navratri fasting
According to Dt. Komal Malik, Head-Dietitian, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, “When you choose to fast, the first step is to keep yourself hydrated at all times by drinking enough of water and other natural fluids such as buttermilk, coconut, or lemon water. Wait, don't drink the liquids all at once; instead, consume them slowly, sip by sip. Once you've ensured proper hydration, it's time to concentrate on your nutrition.
Along with choosing the correct fruits and vegetables, it is also crucial to focus on whole grains, which will help you stay energized throughout the day. So, be sure to eat foods prepared with water chestnut flour, buckwheat, and Amarnath flour chapatis. Rice may be replaced with barnyard millet, and sabudana can be enjoyed as kheer or khichri. Do not forget to consume at least two to three servings of dairy products every day, such as milk and paneer curd.”
Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi, Says, “ The choice to fast must be carefully weighed because it might affect the health of both, the mother and the baby. Fasting in any stage of pregnancy might have negative consequences for the unborn child. However, if you have a healthy pregnancy without difficulties and want to fast, you should see your doctor beforehand.
Remember that your baby relies exclusively on you for nutrients, and fasting for lengthy periods of time during pregnancy can be harmful to both you and your kid.
Eat small meals
To begin with, eat modest meals at regular intervals rather than a large meal after a lengthy period. To minimize acidity or indigestion, try to space your meals 2 to 3 hours apart. Remember to include fiber-rich seasonal fruits and vegetables.
While you enjoy the benefits of healthy fasting during pregnancy, try to stay away from binge eating on fried and preserved foods such as aloo puris, potato chips, sabudana fries and the likes. Instead, incorporate healthy snacks like dry fruits including almonds, walnuts and raisins and roasted makahana (lotus seeds) to add flavor to your fasting. Lastly, remember not push yourself too hard. However, it’s a personal decision and if at all you decide to observe fasting, do make sure to reach out to your healthcare provider to get their advice. Expectant mothers, go ahead and enjoy the spirit of Navratri as you fast the right way!
Video
Healthy foods to consume during Navratri fasting
According to Dt. Komal Malik, Head-Dietitian, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, “When you choose to fast, the first step is to keep yourself hydrated at all times by drinking enough of water and other natural fluids such as buttermilk, coconut, or lemon water. Wait, don't drink the liquids all at once; instead, consume them slowly, sip by sip. Once you've ensured proper hydration, it's time to concentrate on your nutrition.
Along with choosing the correct fruits and vegetables, it is also crucial to focus on whole grains, which will help you stay energized throughout the day. So, be sure to eat foods prepared with water chestnut flour, buckwheat, and Amarnath flour chapatis. Rice may be replaced with barnyard millet, and sabudana can be enjoyed as kheer or khichri. Do not forget to consume at least two to three servings of dairy products every day, such as milk and paneer curd.”
Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi, Says, “ The choice to fast must be carefully weighed because it might affect the health of both, the mother and the baby. Fasting in any stage of pregnancy might have negative consequences for the unborn child. However, if you have a healthy pregnancy without difficulties and want to fast, you should see your doctor beforehand.
Remember that your baby relies exclusively on you for nutrients, and fasting for lengthy periods of time during pregnancy can be harmful to both you and your kid.
Eat small meals
To begin with, eat modest meals at regular intervals rather than a large meal after a lengthy period. To minimize acidity or indigestion, try to space your meals 2 to 3 hours apart. Remember to include fiber-rich seasonal fruits and vegetables.
While you enjoy the benefits of healthy fasting during pregnancy, try to stay away from binge eating on fried and preserved foods such as aloo puris, potato chips, sabudana fries and the likes. Instead, incorporate healthy snacks like dry fruits including almonds, walnuts and raisins and roasted makahana (lotus seeds) to add flavor to your fasting. Lastly, remember not push yourself too hard. However, it’s a personal decision and if at all you decide to observe fasting, do make sure to reach out to your healthcare provider to get their advice. Expectant mothers, go ahead and enjoy the spirit of Navratri as you fast the right way!
Video
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