A fast way to keep fit

If you haven’t been able to keep up your resolution to keep fit, now is the right time to set things in motion

The festival of Navratri is celebrated with fervour, keeping religious obligations and fasts. However, fasting need not be considered as cumbersome; rather it can be viewed as a good opportunity to take a break from food that contains high amounts of sugar, salt and carbohydrates.

Fasting can be an effective way to rid the body of toxins. Even Hippocrates, the father of early medicine advocated fasting and dietary cleansing as part of his treatment.

Detox is the period of abstinence from certain groups of food, which do not promote health. Many detox diet programmes follow a seven-day schedule and majorly constitute of a liquid diet.

Appropriate food intake during an indulgent festive season is a tricky balance to achieve.Jyothi Chabria, a dietician and nutritionist advises, “Moderation is important during the festive season. Not everything that has fat is fattening.

Natural fats are good.” On the same note, she adds that it is important to change the cooking oil used at home every three months in order to get the best nutritional benefits out of each type of oil.

Smart choices for the festive season from Jyothi Chabria:

Choose a healthier ladoo like one made of moong dal rather than a mawa ladoo

Balance the healthy diet by allowing yourself just one indulgence per day

Eat small meals each day

Use air frying methods of cooking rather than deep frying

Exercise is important. An easy way during Navratri, is to dance the night away with Dandiya

“Fasting cannot be done for weight loss, but it can help to detox the body,” shares Jyothi Chabria. She suggests cinnamon water, lime water and green tea for breaking down fats consumed.

One can also adopt the 80/20 rule, where 80 per cent of the day follows a diet of healthful meals and a snack including sprouts, nuts, brown rice; and the rest of the 20 per cent allows a decadent dessert.

What better way to help achieve better eating habits starting this October and carrying through for the rest of the festive season until New Years?

Vital tips for a proper detox:

Rest: Busy work days are not the best time for a cleanse, as the energy levels will naturally drop during the process.

Transitioning in and out: A transitional day of consuming lighter vegetarian food prior to starting a diet of juices and soups is important as is a day after the detox, to help avoid any unpleasant side effects. This day should be free of alcohol, binge eating or heavy meals.

Eliminate wheat and dairy: Since wheat and dairy is a common feature, which are often the culprits for bloating and weight gain, avoiding them helps detoxify the body before and after adopting the diet.

Jyothi Chabria is a dietitian residing in Hyderabad. She also has a line of products that go under the name Nutriline.

By:Elita Enoch