Navratri fasting and feasting: 6 ways to balance festive treats and maintain your health and fitness

With celebrations like Navratri and Dussehra bringing people together around food, faith, and tradition, the festive season becomes a time to cherish cultural rituals and indulge in special delicacies. These festivals hold deep religious significance, and food plays a key role in both the spiritual and communal aspects of the celebrations. During Navratri, many observe fasting or follow sattvic diets, while Dussehra is marked by grand feasts symbolising the victory of good over evil.

However, while these foods are an essential part of the festivities, it’s important to find balance, enjoying the treats while staying mindful of your health and fitness goals, says dietician Chaitanya Yerawadekar, Team Lead (Nutrition), Cult, Pune.  He adds, “While indulging is part of the fun, maintaining a balance between enjoying festive treats and staying on track with your fitness goals is essential.”

Yerawadekar offers 6 simple tips to help you make the most of  the festive feasts without compromising your health.

• Plan ahead: Before attending the festival gathering, plan your meals for the day. If you know you'll be enjoying a rich feast in the evening, keep your breakfast and lunch light yet nutritious. This helps you indulge in festive foods without overwhelming your body with excess calories.

• Portion control: Festival spreads can be tempting, with a variety of dishes on offer. Instead of filling your plate, opt for smaller portions of your favourite foods. This allows you to sample everything without overindulging. Take time to savour each bite, and avoid immediately going for seconds.

• Stay active: Even during the busy festival days, find time to stay active. Opt for a morning walk, a quick stretch, or a short workout; a little exercise keeps your metabolism active, helps manage stress, and counteracts some of the extra calories consumed.

• Hydrate: Amid the festivities, it’s easy to overlook water intake. Staying hydrated is crucial for feeling full and maintaining steady energy levels. Water also helps flush out excess sodium from heavy meals and reduces bloating.

• Healthy swaps: Traditional foods are a must during festivals, but you can make healthier choices. Opt for grilled or baked dishes instead of fried, and try using natural sweeteners like honey or jaggery instead of refined sugar in sweets. These small swaps can lower your calorie intake without compromising on flavour.

• Mindful eating: Avoid mindless snacking while socialising. Practice mindful eating by chewing slowly, savouring the flavours, and paying attention to your body's hunger signals. Stop eating when you're satisfied, not stuffed.