Fasting and Its Benefits
Fasting is an ancient practice with roots that extend across various cultures and religions, often serving as a means of spiritual purification. In modern contexts, fasting has gained recognition not only for its spiritual aura but also for its potential health benefits.
One of the most noteworthy health benefits of fasting is weight loss. It occurs as the body utilizes stored fats for energy during fasting periods.
Additionally, fasting can lead to improved metabolism, as it helps regulate insulin sensitivity and promotes the use of fat as a fuel source, rather than carbohydrates. This metabolic shift not only contributes to weight management but also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Moreover, mental clarity is frequently reported among individuals practicing fasting. Many enthusiasts claim that fasting enhances cognitive functions, improving focus, concentration, and mental clarity.
Cellular repair is another critical benefit associated with fasting, as it removes damaged cells and regenerates new cell components. This biological response is fundamental for maintaining cellular health and combating age-related decline.
Planning is an essential cornerstone of effective fasting. By carefully considering what to eat before, during, and after the fasting period, individuals can maximize the positive effects while minimizing any negative impacts on the body.
Ideal Foods for Sustaining Energy During a Fast
Types of food consumed during fasting depend upon religious, cultural context, and personal preferences. Below are some commonly eaten foods during fasts.
- Fresh Fruits such as bananas, apples, pears, berries, watermelons, oranges, papaya, and pomegranates are mostly consumed during fast, as they are rich in nutrients and provide long-lasting energy.
2. Dry Fruits like almonds, cashews, raisins, and walnuts provide energy and nutrition.
3. Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls): Sabudana Khichadi is a popular dish that is made with soaked sabudana, potatoes, peanuts, green chili, and mild spices. Moreover, sabudana vada is made with soaked sabudana, mashed potatoes, and green chili which is deep-fried in oil.
4. Potato-based dishes like Aloo sabji, sweet potato, or aloo jeera are simply made with boiled potatoes, usually flavored with cumin and black salt.
5. Puris, rotis, or parathas made with Singhare ka atta(Buckwheat or Water chestnut Flour) are often served with aloo sabji which keeps you full for a longer time.
6. Rajgira (Amarnath): Puris, rotis, or ladoos made with Amarnath flour are a delicious delicacy during the fasting period.
7. Samak Rice (Barnyard Millet): Samak Rice Khichadi is a healthy option made with barnyard millet, potatoes, and peanuts. It has a texture similar to rice and helps you to keep full for longer periods. Additionally, samak rice kheer, a sweet dish made by cooking barnyard millet with milk, sugar, cardamom, and dry fruits provides a substitute for khichadi.
8. Dairy products like milk, curd, buttermilk, and lassi are common sources of nutrition during fasting.
9. Makhana Dishes like Makhana kheer, which is a creamy dessert made by cooking foxnuts in milk and flavored with cardamom or makhana simply roasted with a pinch of rock salt provide a great source of calcium, protein, magnesium, and potassium which can help regulate appetite and reduce food cravings.
10. Upvas Kachori is made with a dough of potatoes and arrowroot powder, and the filling is a blend of fresh coconut, raisins, and roasted peanuts is a delicious dish that tingles your taste buds.
11. Lastly, Fried food like plain Potato chips, Banana chips, Fried sabudana, etc are best to carry if you are traveling outside during a fast as they reduce food cravings and make you full.
12. Hydration is another crucial factor in the energy management process during fasting. Drinking adequate water throughout the day improves metabolism and enhances energy levels.
Foods to Avoid during Fast
- Grains: Wheat, rice, and all flours except Amarnath and singhare ka atta.
- Lentils and Beans: Pulses and legumes are avoided.
- Onions and Garlic: These are usually considered tamasic and are not consumed during fasting.
- Non-veg food like Meat, Fish, and Eggs are also considered as negative to consume.
