Try Ayurveda this Navratri

Navratri is one of the most special festivals for Hindus all over the world. With the start of Navratri comes the season of fasting and feasting. According to Ayurveda, fasting is an effective way to kindle the digestive fire and burn away accumulated toxins from the body. It also eliminates gas, makes the body light, improves mental clarity, and preserves overall health. However, in the name of fasting, many of us end up feasting on high-calorie food during the nine days of Navratri.

So, here are a few basic Ayurvedic diet tips that will help you eat right in this festive season:

• Increase the intake of liquids in your diet as they are the best means of cleaning the toxins (ama) from the body. Some recommended options are fruit and vegetable juices, coconut water and vegetable soups.
• Being on an empty stomach for long hours can result in acidity and heartburn. To avoid this problem, you should take small and frequent meals throughout the day. Fresh fruits and salads are very effective in this regard.
• Vegetables like pumpkin and bottle gourd can be taken in the form of soups to fill you up with some calories.
• If you want to have Sabudana (Tapioca) Khichdi, make it by using minimal amount of oil. Use boiled potatoes, only a few crushed peanuts and well-soaked sabudana. Cook it before mealtime and have it hot and fresh.
• Use rajgira flour to make chapattis as it is lighter and refreshing.
• Even though potato is considered to be the main food during Navratri, you should limit your potato intake as it can get heavy to digest.
• If you want to try something different, make some idli and dosa from the samak ke chawal.

Here’s an interesting Ayurvedic recipe that you can try out this Navratri.

 Lauki Raita

 Ingredients:

• 1 Cup grated lauki
• 2 Cups curd
• 1 tsp Cumin (jeera) powder
• Coriander (dhaniya) leaves
• Salt to taste

 Method of Preparation:

1. Boiled the lauki till soft.
2. Drain the boiled lauki and cool it.
3. Stir the curd with a hand mixer.
4. Add lauki and blend well.
5. Now add cumin powder, coriander leaves and salt and mix well.
6. Keep it in refrigerator for an hour and serve it chilled.

 Benefits of Lauki Raita

According to Ayurveda, Lauki Raita is supachya, which means it aids in the digestion process and helps in releasing the digestive enzymes. It is highly recommended for those who have a weak digestive fire. Moreover, it is also a filling and nutritious option for those who observe fast on Navratri.

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