Pune: As Navaratri commenced, a series of fasting started among citizens. For the nine-day festival, city-based nutritionists and diabetologists have explained ways to maintain diabetes and cholesterol levels for the people suffering from either of the issues to enjoy the festival seamlessly. Dr Sarika Satav, head of the nutrition and diet department of Noble Hospital, told TOI, "Traditionally, the fasting was meant for detoxification and hence we must avoid hard-to-digest food and include more liquid into our diets like lemon juice, buttermilk, soups and coconut water.
For those with diabetes and high cholesterol, it is important to add more protein and fiber in food through salads and raw vegetables and fruits. Drinking a lot of liquid helps with feeling satiated during the fasting period." Underlining the risks of binging junk food not just for adults, but also for children, Dr Anjali Shinde, clinical nutritionist from Ankura Hospitals, said, "There has been a significant rise in obesity, particularly amongst children.
It can negatively impact the physical well-being of child and increases the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol levels, sleep apnea, difficulty sleeping, joint pain, hormonal imbalance, poor academic performance and mental health disorders. It becomes quite difficult to neglect famous and tasty sweet dishes during Navaratri and hence parents must come out with unique ideas to make snacks healthy." So what can one eat to stay healthy during Navaratri? Dr Insha.