Taking care of your digestive system, this Durga Puja

Durga Puja marks the onset of a gala time for all of Eastern India, with the state of West Bengal being at the top. For these few days, the city dwellers do not cook food in their houses. They relish the food available at the various stalls beside the different pandals.

Durga Puja is also known as Navratri in India. It celebrates the victory of good over evil. Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura marks this auspicious occasion. It is celebrated with a lot of pomp and shows all over India.

People keep fast and pray to the Goddess for her blessings. Many celebrate the homecoming of the Devi to her parent’s house. They do this celebration by indulging themselves in rich and tasty food. Everyone should keep in mind that celebration is in its place and health is in its place.

To celebrate the homecoming of Devi, we should not hamper our digestive system. Whether you are fasting or not, you have to follow certain tricks and guidelines, to maintain your digestive health.

We here at JMD Medico have you covered with some tricks and guidelines. If followed then you will be able to enjoy your puja with ease.

Let us have a look at some tips that fasting people can follow:

• Pick healthy vrat items. Many people on this auspicious occasion keep fast. Some keep for two days while some keep for the entire duration of 9 days. Whatever you are doing, remember to choose and eat healthy food items. Just because you are fasting doesn’t mean you will overindulge in sweets and fried vrat items. They do not have any nutrition and add on to calories and waistline. Eat fruits, makhana, kuttu, Samak rice, and baked potatoes.
• Avoid overeating. Even if you are eating vrat food items avoid overeating. Instead, break your meals into small portions and consume them 5-6 times a day. This way you will keep feeding your body with energy. It will also prevent the feeling of fullness that you feel after a heavy meal.
• Avoid packaged foods. Fried foods like chips and namkeen that are especially made for the purpose of vrat are full of sodium and refined oil. This oil is of substandard quality and can make you sick. Take the healthier route and opt for healthy items like fruits and vegetables.
• Eat nuts. Consuming nuts is an amazing way of staying healthy while fasting. They will keep your energy level high and keep you full for a longer duration. You can consume almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins. Roasted dry fruits can be added to shakes and smoothies while you are fasting. They can keep you full for a longer duration.
• Stay hydrated. Hydration is the key to a healthy lifestyle anyways. Whether you fast or not is up to you. While fasting hydrating yourself regularly can help manage your energy levels. You can also drink buttermilk and coconut water to replenish yourself.
• Catch a good night’s sleep. When you are fasting, your body goes under detox mode. If you do not have a good sleep then you will have a dizzy experience and might have headaches. To avoid these situations, you should sleep for at least 7-8 hours for a healthy body.

Tips for non-fasters this Durga Puja:

• Eat smart. One way to handle your diet plan is to take small portions of food. Even if friends and family are forcing you to eat, you take less amount of food. If you are tempted to indulge in some food items then cut in some other food items. Have sugar free tea, coffee or cut down on one chapati.
• Eat less sweets. Bengali deserts are tough to say no to. If you are on a weight loss diet then it is better to avoid sweets altogether.
• Take a small plate. You tend to eat less when you serve yourself in smaller plates. Seeing a plate full of food tricks your mind into thinking that there is a lot of food. Even smaller glasses, bowls can help you cut down on the quantity of unhealthy food items.
• Avoid fizzy drinks. Carbonated drinks are high in unhealthy fats like trans fats. They also contain a lot of sugar and are unhealthy for diabetics and obese. Instead replace them with healthy options like nimbu paani or plain water to quench your thirst.
• Do not skip exercise. Whatever may be the condition you should not skip your daily exercise routine. Include 30 minutes of exercise or walk or slow jog in your daily routine even you are going out in pujas.
• Drink loads of water. Water is something that you cannot live without. No one can survive without water. Keeping yourself hydrated is the key for any purpose. Water has loads of minerals that are needed by the body.
• Eat green leafy vegetables. Make sure to eat green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, lettuce in any one of your meals. They are rich source of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. The fibre in vegetables keep you fuller for longer and keep hunger pangs at bay.
• Eat before you leave home. When you leave home without eating you will feel hungry and eat some junk. Make sure to eat something light or little meal or some fruit before stepping out for pandal hopping.

If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to enjoy your pujas and will not face any grave digestive issues.