Nutritionist shares expert tips for vegans to fast during Navaratri

The festival of Chaitra Navaratri commences on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar and goes on for nine days During this auspicious period Hindus pray to nineavatars of Goddess Shakti and many devotees also fastldquoAvoiding certain foods such as processed foods meat and dairy gives the digestive system a break and can work more efficiently This can help to improve digestion and reduce digestive issues such as bloating gas and constipation Navaratri fasting can be seen as a way of detoxifying the body By consuming lighter and simpler foods the body can eliminate toxins and waste more effectively Improvement in overall health and vitality could be seen as a resultrdquo says certified nutritionist Dr Rohini Patil on the impact of fasting on our bodiesWhile there are variations in the types of foods that are allowed during Navaratri fasting depending on region and tradition a common practice is to avoid a wide range of foods from grains to eggs For many consumption of dairy products increases due to abstinence from other food groups so the question begs can vegans fast for Navaratri Below Patil lists veganfriendly foods that are nutritionally balancedFoods to consume to maintain a nutritionally balanced dietSinghara Flour Water Chestnut Flour Singhara flour is another popular ingredient used during Navratri A good amount of carbohydrates calcium and iron is present It is also low in fat and high in fibre which helps regulate digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer Singhara flour is glutenfree and can be used to make a variety of dishes such as pancakes puris and pakorasBuckwheat FlourBuckwheat flour is another great option for a vegan Navratri diet It is a great source of protein fibre and essential amino acids Buckwheat flour is also low in fat and glutenfree which makes it a great option for those with gluten allergies Pancakes crepes and bread can be made using buckwheat flourSweet PotatoesSweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates fibre and vitamins A and C They are low in fat and calories which makes them a great option for those looking to lose weight Baked boiled and roasted variations of sweet potatoes are comparatively betterFruitsFruits are an important part of a vegan Navaratri diet They are a power pact punch of vitamins minerals and fibre Fruits and vegetables are low in fat and calories which makes them a great option for those looking to lose weight Some fruits that are commonly used during Navratri include apples bananas and papayasCoconut OilCoconut oil is a good source of lauric acid which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties Even though it is high in saturated fat but coconut oil also contains mediumchain triglycerides MCTs which are more accessible for the body to metabolise and use for energy Coconut oil is also believed to have many health benefits including improving heart health boosting the immune system and promoting weight lossOlive OilIt is recommended to use a variety of oils in cooking to ensure a balanced intake of healthy fats Olive oil is a good source of vitamin E and has been shown to have antiinflammatory properties It is high in monounsaturated fats eventually a boon for heart health Olive oil is very beneficial it promotes good heart health and nullifies heart diseases and strokesThe nutrition expert concludes by saying ldquoIt is important to note that while a vegan diet can be healthy it is important to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs during the fast Some nutrients that may be lacking in a vegan diet include protein iron calcium and vitamin B12 It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to ensure your nutritional needs are being met during the fastrdquoAlso Read How one should modify their exercise regime and diet while fasting