By Soumya Vajpayee
With Navratri coming to an end, it’s time to contemplate how you will return to the pre-Navratri days in terms of your food choices and physical activities, post the festivity.
THE BEST WAY TO HELP YOUR BODY. RECOVER IS BY CONTINUING WITH SOME FORM OF PHYSICAL ACTIVTY. THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU HIT THE GYM; WALKING AND STRETCHING ARE EXERCISES YOU CAN DO AT HOME TO RELAX
Here are a few suggestions that can help you detox in the next few days.
And it begins with basic things like diet and sleep…
▶1⃣ WATCH YOUR DIET
Since you must have gorged on a lot of unhealthy food, including junk, fried foods and sweets, it’s time to cut down on refined white flour, red meat, oil, butter, aerated drinks, sugar and beverages. For the next few days, replace fried snacks with fruits and veggies. “A good way to detox in the morning is with a glass of lukewarm water with lemon. This will help remove the accumulated toxins from your body. Condiments like cinnamon and pepper will help you restore your system. In terms of food, try to stick to homemade foods like dals and veggies that are lighter on the tummy’ says Prachi Mandholia, clinical nutritionist.
▶2⃣ WORKOUT TO THE FITNESS ROUTE
The last few days must have been high on physical activity for you, be it dancing to the fast-paced tunes at garba/dandiya events or going pandal hopping with friends.
The best way to help your body recover is by not becoming sedentary and continuing with some form of physical activity That doesn’t mean you go on long jogs or hit the gym for hardcore workout; start off by taking a walk or doing light yoga. Walking, stretching and crunches are exercises you can do at home to relax.
▶3⃣ GET ENOUGH SLEEP
One thing that your body is likely to have been deprived of during the nine days of Navratri is adequate sleep. Late nights with family and friends, and playing dandiya takes toll post the festivity. Ensure that you maintain a two-hour gap between hitting the bed and get eight hours of sleep for the next few days. You can also indulge yourself in a spa. A refreshing massage can do wonders to your tired muscles. But go for a spa treatment after a few days, and not immediately.
▶4⃣ STAY HYDRATED TO FIGHT THE BLOAT
Feeling bloated? You must have indulged in a lot of sugar-laden packed juices or aerated drinks during the Navratri season, especially during outings with friends or at garba events. To get rid of the uneasiness, the best thing you can do is drink lots of water. “It’s obvious that your body is dehydrated due to the intense physical activity you’ve indulged in during Navratri. Water aids in digestion, keeps post-gluttony constipation at bay and can battle sodium and carb bloat. Also, drinking a lot of water helps you avoid cramps,” says Dr Nupur Krishnan, clinical nutritionist.
▶ 5⃣ SAY NO TO CAFFEINE
Avoid excessive tea and coffee if you want to feel better sooner. Caffeine doesn’t help in digestion. A cup of coffee may pep you up temporarily, but it strains your system when your body is trying to fight back to normalcy.
Source: Mumbai Mirror Pg12 Dated 18th Oct 2018
Disclaimer: All information, data and material has been sourced from multiple authors and is for general information and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
