We often fail to meet dietary requirements due to hectic schedules. Nutritionist Venu Adhiya Hirani shares some tips on how you can sail through the fasting period
India is a country that is known to have 360 million Gods. It gives us a chance to fast more than once in a year on an average subject to our beliefs. The ones who fast for religious reason, their devotion takes care of their hunger pangs. However, most of us are used to eating throughout the day and find it extremely difficult to control hunger pangs when our appetite kicks in. While certain customs permit consuming foods of a specific kind, there are others that abstain from food for many hours or many days. Fasting can also turn to feasting if the choice of foods is fried and sweets.
Keep it simple
The popular Hindu Navratras season is classic example of feasting whilst fasting. Our very popular Vratkakhaana includes various foods such as vari or sama, sago, rajgira, fruits, juices, milk, curd, nuts, steamed roots et al. Most of these are quite healthy as well as nourishing if cooked and consumed using cooking methods which do not encourage deep frying. Choosing healthier options will not only provide nutritional benefits but also keep our energy levels intact at all times.
There are numerous healthy foods and drinks that could be included while fasting to keep the vitality and spirit of fasting complete.
Juice
Fruit juice at the time of fasting is an effective way to replenish the body and is one of the best natural health boosters. A power-packed glass of juice invigorates one to head out for a hectic day and also helps keep the body hydrated.
Juices are packed with vitamins and minerals, which are great energisers. Since juices are easily digestible and are a good source of energy, they aid in maintaining blood glucose levels at the time of fasting when consumption of foods are restricted.
While freshly made juices may not always be possible and practical, given that most working professionals do not have access to fresh juices at offices thus packaged juices become an ideal option. Packaged juices are refreshing, energising and provide us with a great deal of benefits. These juices are processed using aseptic technology and then packed in protective cartons. The packaging material safeguards the nutritive value of the juice from contamination as well as from harmful exposure to the sun. It also maintains freshness, nutritional quality and the exact taste of the juice. Moreover they do not require any preservatives and can be stored at room temperature for as much as four months (if not opened).
Milkshake
Milkshakes are a great blend of milk, fruits that make it a wholesome meal. A glass of milkshake has the capacity to keep one satiated for a long time, as that one glass contains necessary vital vitamins, nutrients, protein and calcium to keep the body well nourished.
Fruits in milkshakes are a rich source of vitamins and dietary fiber. Most fruits, like strawberries, mangoes and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which help in boosting the immune system. Milkshakes rejuvenates our body, cool the system from inside and boost one’s energy level to make them fitter, stronger and healthier.
Yogurt
Yogurt is refreshing and energising, thus providing a great deal of benefits. Yogurt, like all fermented food, is teeming with good bacteria. This valuable bacterium is very good for the body’s immune system. Yogurt is ideal for all ages, as it is full of taste and is easily digestible. There are plenty of variants available in the market like mango, strawberry and pineapple. Also being a rich source of calcium it helps in preventing bone related disease. To widen the choice, different options of yogurt such as frozen yogurt, drinking yogurt are also available in the market.
Health in a package
Convenience and hygiene play a big role when one fasts. Our busy lifestyles don’t offer us the luxury of time to prepare food with special dietary requirements. Working professionals in their packed schedules do not even get the time to eat a relaxed meal, let alone cook it. Packaged fruit juices, yogurts and milkshakes do not contain any preservatives, which therefore make them a safe choice for nourishing the body during fasting.
Keep yourself hydrated
Due to time constraint, it is essential for working professionals to keep them hydrated while working. Try and grab various easy and convenient packaged drinks available in the market to refill the lost energy.