DIET TIPS TO HELP YOU BREEZE THROUGH PARYUSHAN

Follow this easy tips to ensure you stay healthy throughout the fasting period

23rd August, 2019

Paryushan, a holy festival celebrated by the Jain community by observing fasts that eliminate certain food groups, is also very beneficial to the body as it gives the stomach some rest. There are different types of fast observed during this period…

1. Ekshana (eating one meal a day) followed by just warm water during the day
2. Beshana (eating two meals a day)  followed by just warm water during the day
3. Just water for 3-8 days

While vegetables and fruits are eliminated during this fast, pulses, almonds, grains, milk and milk products are the main staples.

Pros-

• Meals are protein-rich.
• The diet is satiating
• May help in weight loss.

Cons-

• Can cause acidity, gas and constipation due to high protein, long meal gaps and lack of fiber intake.
• Only drinking water can affect one’s immunity and lead to low energy levels and electrolyte imbalance, which can have long-term effects on health.
• Insomnia.

Tips to keep yourself healthy:

•  Drink 10-12 glasses of water per day as it will help to avoid constipation.
• Have well-balanced meals with carbs+ protein+ fibre + fat to sustain the diet.
• Grains rich in fibre like dalia, oats, quinoa and jowar should be incorporated.
• Sweet and savoury treats should be limited.
• Include steamed fermented foods to get your B vitamins.
• Pulses like moong and tur dal are easy on the stomach, Instead of green vegetables, add ½ cup of dry pulses (dry pulses should not be eaten by those whose serum uric acid and serum creatinine levels are high).
• Have curd in the form of buttermilk with salt to keep yourself hydrated.
• Consult your doctor before any kind of fasting.
• Sleep for 7-8 hours, keep the mind calm and enjoy this spiritual festival.

Prep before fasting:

• A week prior include 1 tbsp of coconut with 1 tsp of sugar daily.
• Start with a vitamin C and a multivitamin a month prior.
• Check your B12 and D3 levels before fasting to avoid further deficiencies.

Precaution Post fasting:

• Start with more liquids and shift to semi-solid cooked foods.
• Add a pre and a probiotic supplement post fasting to strengthen your stomach.
• Avoid sour foods.
• Have foods that are easy on the stomach (khichdi, moong soup, porridge).
• Avoid eating out post the fasting period for some days till the stomach is strong enough to digest heavy foods.
• Get enough rest, avoid strenuous exercises as well as hectic travelling.