Navratri, one of the most significant festivals in India, is not just about religious observances but also about a shift in diet and lifestyle. During these nine days, many people observe fasting as a way to purify the body and mind. However, maintaining energy and staying hydrated is essential to keep the body functioning well while fasting. Consuming nutritious and hydrating drinks can help maintain your energy levels and nourish your body during Navratri fasting.
Explore some of the best drinks to include in your fasting routine which offer unique benefits that help you stay hydrated, energized, and healthy.
1. Coconut Water: Nature’s Perfect Hydrator
Coconut water is one of the best drinks to consume during Navratri fasting. It’s light, naturally sweet, and packed with electrolytes, making it a perfect hydrating agent for the body.
Benefits of Coconut Water:
- Hydration: Fasting can sometimes cause dehydration, especially during hot days. Coconut water is rich in potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which helps replenish lost electrolytes and prevents dehydration.
- Low in Calories: Coconut water is low in calories, making it a guilt-free beverage to consume during fasting. It provides a natural energy boost without adding too many calories to your diet.
- Rich in Nutrients: In addition to electrolytes, coconut water contains vitamin C, antioxidants, and other micronutrients that help support immune function and overall health during fasting.
You can sip on fresh coconut water during the day to stay hydrated, especially after your morning prayers or midday break. The lightness of coconut water makes it perfect for keeping you energized without feeling heavy.
2. Buttermilk: A Probiotic Powerhouse
Buttermilk, or “chaas,” is another excellent drink to include during Navratri fasting. It is a traditional Indian beverage made by churning curd and water together and is known for its cooling and digestive benefits.
Benefits of Buttermilk:
- Aids Digestion: Fasting can sometimes lead to digestive issues like acidity or bloating. Buttermilk is rich in probiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria, helping to maintain digestion during the fasting period.
- Cooling Effect: If you’re fasting during warmer months, buttermilk can help keep your body cool. The cooling properties of this drink are perfect for soothing any heat or acidity in the stomach.
- Light and Refreshing: Buttermilk is low in calories and light on the stomach, making it an ideal drink to consume when you’re fasting for long hours.
Add a pinch of rock salt (sendha namak) and cumin powder for a tangy, refreshing twist that also aids in digestion and electrolyte balance.
3. Fresh Fruit Juices: Natural Nutrient Boost
Fresh fruit juices are another fantastic option for Navratri fasting. Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide a quick energy boost and help nourish your body.
Best Fruits to Juice During Navratri:
- Apple Juice: Rich in fiber and vitamins, apple juice is a great option for providing sustained energy during fasting.
- Pomegranate Juice: High in antioxidants and iron, pomegranate juice is perfect for improving blood circulation and keeping you energized.
- Orange Juice: A great source of vitamin C, orange juice boosts your immunity and keeps you hydrated.
- Watermelon Juice: With its high water content, watermelon juice keeps you refreshed and prevents dehydration.
Benefits of Fresh Fruit Juices:
- Quick Source of Energy: Fruit juices are packed with natural sugars like fructose, which provide an instant energy boost during fasting without causing a sugar crash.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The antioxidants in fruits help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Freshly squeezed fruit juices provide essential vitamins and minerals that keep your immune system strong and your body functioning well during the fast.
Always opt for freshly made fruit juices instead of store-bought options, as the latter may contain added sugars and preservatives.
4. Lemon Water: A Detoxifying Elixir
Lemon water is one of the simplest and most refreshing drinks to consume during Navratri fasting. It is a low-calorie, hydrating drink that offers numerous health benefits.
Benefits of Lemon Water:
- Detoxification: Lemon water is known for its detoxifying properties. It helps flush out toxins from the body, promoting better digestion and a clearer mind during the fasting period.
- Boosts Immunity: Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps prevent common illnesses like colds and coughs.
- Alkalizing: Despite being acidic in nature, lemons have an alkalizing effect on the body, which helps maintain the body’s pH balance and prevents acidity and bloating during fasting.
You can have lemon water first thing in the morning to kickstart your metabolism or sip on it throughout the day for a refreshing and energizing drink.
5. Herbal Teas: A Calming and Nutritious Option
Herbal teas are an excellent way to stay hydrated and enjoy a soothing beverage during Navratri fasting. Unlike regular tea or coffee, herbal teas are caffeine-free and made from a variety of herbs, flowers, and spices.
Popular Herbal Teas for Fasting:
- Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, chamomile tea can help reduce stress and promote better sleep during fasting.
- Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea aids digestion and provides a refreshing, cooling effect, especially useful during the warmer days of Navratri.
- Ginger Tea: If you’re feeling bloated or nauseous, ginger tea can help ease digestion and soothe the stomach.
Benefits of Herbal Teas:
- Hydration: Herbal teas are hydrating and can help you meet your daily fluid intake without adding calories or caffeine.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Many herbal teas are packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and promote overall well-being.
- Promotes Relaxation: Certain herbal teas like chamomile and lavender have calming properties, helping to reduce stress and improve mental clarity during fasting.
6. Lassi: The Perfect Balance of Taste and Nutrition
Lassi, a traditional Indian drink made from yogurt, is a delicious and cooling beverage to enjoy during Navratri fasting. It’s sweet, refreshing, and packed with the goodness of probiotics.
Benefits of Lassi:
- Promotes Gut Health: Like buttermilk, lassi is rich in probiotics that help maintain a healthy digestive system during fasting.
- Cooling Effect: The cooling nature of yogurt makes lassi a perfect drink to consume during the day to prevent heat and acidity.
- Versatile and Tasty: You can make lassi in different flavors by adding fruits like mango or strawberry or even a touch of saffron for a rich taste.
Lassi can be made both sweet or savory, depending on your preference. For Navratri, you can sweeten it with jaggery or honey instead of regular sugar.
7. Milk with Dry Fruits: A Nutritious Powerhouse
Milk with dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins is an excellent source of energy, especially when you need something more substantial during fasting. This drink is rich in healthy fats, proteins, and essential nutrients.
Benefits of Milk with Dry Fruits:
- Rich in Protein: Milk is a great source of protein, and adding dry fruits like almonds and cashews further boosts the protein content, helping to maintain muscle strength during fasting.
- Packed with Nutrients: Dry fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing sustained energy and keeping you full for longer.
- Improves Digestion: Soaked raisins and almonds, in particular, help improve digestion and keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.
Warm milk with a handful of chopped dry fruits can be a soothing drink before bed or as a mid-day break during fasting.
Staying Hydrated During Fasting
Fasting during Navratri is a time for detoxification, reflection, and spiritual growth. However, it’s essential to stay hydrated and nourished throughout the fast. Each of these drinks not only supports your physical health but also helps maintain the spiritual focus of the festival.