Janmastami 2024: Essential Diet Tips For The Fasting On This Auspicious Day

Janmashtami is celebrated all around the country today, and devotees will observe fast as a part of the celebration. Here are a few tips to observe a healthy fast:

Shree Krishna Janmastami 2024

Source : ABPLIVE AI

(By Ms Agnimitra Mukherjee, Dieteics and Community Nutritionist, Asian Institute of Immunology and Rheumatology)

Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Janmashtami is the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth, which is a joyous occasion for millions of people around the world. One of the important aspects of Janmashtami is fasting.

On this festival, devotees typically observe two main types of fasts: Nirjala (without water) and Phalahar (a fruit and milk-based diet). Phalahar strictly prohibits the consumption of tamsik food items, meat, and other non-vegetarian items. Exclude onion and garlic from the meals, as they are considered tamasic and are best avoided on this sacred day. Devotees steer clear of grains, pulses, rice, and salt. Fasting on this day is a common tradition among devotees, but it's essential to ensure that your Janmashtami fasting is not only spiritually fulfilling but also healthy for your body.

To stay healthy during your fast, consider following these essential diet tips:

• Plan your fasting meals to include a variety of foods that provide essential nutrients. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy products to ensure you get a balanced diet even during fasting.
• Instead of grains, pulses, and rice, one should consume non-cement foods like 'Kuttu k atta', 'Rajgira' (Amaranth flour), 'Nachni' (Bajra flour), and 'water chestnut flour' (Singar ka atta).
• To keep your energy levels up, eat dishes like 'Sabudana papad', 'Sabudana khichdi', 'Sabudana kheer', 'Sabu milk', 'Kuttu ka paratha', or 'Syama' rice cooked in desi ghee (clarified butter) with sendha namak and 'Talkheer'. If you are diabetic, your sugar level needs to be checked before eating these high-calorie foods.
• Be mindful of portion sizes to prevent overeating. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help maintain your energy levels and prevent hunger pangs.
• Milk and curd are essential components of Janmashtami celebrations. While fasting, you can drink fresh fruit smoothies, sweet lassi, or salty lassi made with curd and sendha namak (rock salt). Milk & Milk products are rich in protein, which helps keep you feeling full and provides sustained energy.
• Fiber is essential for digestion and can help you stay full for longer. Include foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to increase your fiber intake.
• Have plenty of fruits throughout the day. Apples, blackberries, bananas, grapes, walnuts, almonds, and dates are all good options. These fruits not only provide nutrition but also help to strengthen your immunity.
• Fasting can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water between meals to stay hydrated. You can also include coconut water, herbal teas, and buttermilk to maintain your fluid balance.
• While fasting, avoid beverages like tea and coffee because they might cause acidity and discomfort, potentially resulting in headaches or a heavy sensation.
• To maintain your digestive system and prevent sluggishness, avoid oily foods. Oily foods can impede digestion, perhaps causing health problems during fasting.
• Try to avoid empty-calorie foods like deep-fried snacks and sweets.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]