Fasting is an effective way to get rid of accumulated toxins from the body. Aishwarya Dwivedi shares a few tried and tested weight loss techniques which you can try this Navratri

Be it any religion or any ritual, they always have a logic behind it. Navratri usually falls on the time of season change, when our immunity is low and we are most likely to fall sick. This time is best for detox and fasting is an effective way to get rid of accumulated toxins from the body and mind. So here are a few tried and tested weight loss and detox technique, which you can try this Navratri.

Stay hydrated

To achieve a healthy weight loss, keeping yourself hydrated is must. Also, water plays a key role in suppressing your appetite. One must drink at least three to four litres of water. This really works if you are trying to lose fat off your belly. Other ways to stay hydrated during Navratri is to have coconut water, more of water-based vegetables and fruits like muskmelon, watermelon, cucumber, etc.

One interesting recipe you can try is trying the latest trend: Nature’s natural cereal. In a bowl, combine all your favourite fruits like watermelon, papaya, pineapple, pomegranate, grapes and add coconut water into it. Top with ice and chia seeds (optional). Avoid including bananas and mangos.

Another drink which can be included is by taking one bowl of your favourite cut fruit like strawberry, watermelon, mango with one bowl of ice and half bowl of milk, water or yoghurt whichever is appropriate as per the fruit and making a slush or frappe. Sounds tempting, isn’t it?

Tip: Avoid packaged fruit juice or coconut water as they contain sugar. Try opting for natural things.

Don’t starve or skip meals

Most people tend to skip meals expecting a faster result. But this lowers metabolism and hampers your digestive system in the longer run. One must have three to four balanced meals even during Navratri. Fruits like apple, watermelons, dry fruits like almonds and raisins, roasted foxnuts are excellent snacks. Eat them whenever you feel hungry. Cucumber and yoghurt, especially homemade, is a great snacking option as well.

Eat Sago (Sabudana) Khichadi

Sago (sabudana) is a rich source of carbohydrates and calories, but if taken in right and small quantity, it is very wholesome, provides energy, prevents digestion issues and aids muscle growth. So here is one such delicious recipe of sabudana khichadi:

Ingredients

• Sabudana (soaked overnight): 100 gm
• Peanuts: 20 gm
• Green chillies (chopped): 3-4
• Coriander (chopped): 20 gm
• Red chilli as per taste (optional)
• Rock salt as per taste
• Desi ghee: 1-2 tbsp

Method

• In a non-stick pan, heat desi ghee.
• Now shallow fry peanuts until crispy and keep them aside in a bowl.
• In the same ghee, now add chopped green chillies and saute for one to two minutes. Now add sabudana (washed three to four times after being soaked overnight or minimum for three hours.)
• Saute the sadudana for three to five minutes and keep stirring so that they don’t turn sticky.
• Add rock salt as per taste. You can also add red chillies as per taste.
• Finally after cooking for five to seven minutes on low flame, garnish with chopped coriander and peanuts.
• Serve with cucumber salad and fresh yoghurt.

Avoid sugar

The most important thing while considering detox or weight loss is to completely skip sugar. Honey or jaggery can be used as a substitute when required. Try to avoid sweets as much as possible. So think twice before having lot of prasad.

Try Samak Rice and Bottle Gourd Khichadi

Barnyard millet or samak grain is a good source of protein, carbohydrate, fiber and micronutrients (iron and zinc). It also has high content of fibre which helps to keep the body feeling full. This stops the urge to consume more food and avoiding high calorie intake. Bottle gourd aids weight loss, helps in digestion and reduces stress. So here is a delicious one pot recipe combining these powerful ingredients to make a scrumptious meal.

Ingredients

• Bottle gourd (small): 1
• Samak rice: 1 cup
• Desi ghee: 1tbsp
• Water: 5-6 cups
• Green chilli: 4-5
• Rock salt and red chilli powder as per taste
• Coriander

Method

• In a pressure cooker, add desi ghee.
• After ghee heats up, add chopped bottle gourd, green chillies and cook on a medium flame until soft for five to seven minutes approximately.
• Now add salt and red chilli as per taste.
• After bottle gourd turns soft, wash samak rice and add. Saute for two to three minutes.
• Now add luke warm water and garnish with coriander.
• Pressure cook until one whistle.
• Serve with cucumber and raita.
• Try these above tips and see some good results.

(The writer is the food and lifestyle creator at Trell.)