How to fast during Navratri
as per your body type

Fasting during Navratri is an ideal way to detox, build immunity during the changing season, and raise your pranic energy. However, fasting is not always beneficial. If you fast in a way unsuited to your body, it will backfire on you. You may feel sick, and experience indigestion and fatigue instead of the rejuvenation you expect from fasting.

So how do you decide what to eat and what not to eat during a fast? 

It all depends on your Ayurvedic body type. Each person is influenced by certain elements more than others because of their natural constitution, which is categorized into three doshas.

Vata dosha - where the air and space elements dominate

Pitta dosha - where the fire element dominates

Kapha dosha - where the earth and water elements dominate

Find out your Ayurvedic body type

 

Each of our bodies is a unique combination of the 5 elements present in nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Space. The system of Ayurveda is based on the understanding that every body is unique, and recommends different lifestyles for each body type, for every season! Take this short quiz to find out your unique Body Type! Are you earth, fire, water or air?

 

 

Vata (Air Power!)

 

Vata is a force made up of elements - ether and air. People with a predominance of Vata will be vibrant, dynamic and creative! 

 

Pitta (Fire Power!)

 

Pitta is a force created by the interplay of water and fire. Pitta predominant people are focused, determined, and target oriented! 

 

 

Kapha (Earth Power!)

 

Kapha is the equilibrium of earth and water. Kapha predominant people are calm, kind & resourceful, and make for very good managers!

 

Which of these best describes you?

 

Which of these best describes you?

 

 

Which of these best describes you?

 

 

Which of these best describes you?

 

 

Which of these best describes you?

 

 

Which of these best describes you?

 

 

Which of these best describes you?

 

 

Which of these best describes you?

 

 

 

Which of these best describes you?

 

 

Which of these best describes you?

Note - An individual’s constitution is composed of two doshas. A Nadi Pariksha doctor can check your pulse and tell you about both the doshas. 

Why you should fast as per your doshas

Your doshas create mental and physical disturbances when you eat food or fast in a way that puts them in imbalance. When you eat and fast as per your dominating doshas, you nourish your body instead of weakening it and reap fasting benefits. Let us know the common fasting mistakes that create an imbalance in your doshas, the possible effects, and the fasting tips for balance.

How to fast to avoid Vata imbalance  (Esp. important for Vata people)

Common fasting mistake	Effects of imbalance	Fasting tips for balanced Vata
Dry foods like nuts and baked/fried items,  Raw salads, Cold food,  Difficult-to-digest foods like fried items, and potatoes,  Consuming nothing	Anxiety Constipation Bloating Dry skin Insomnia Weight loss	Easy-to-digest and filling:  Semi-solid food items like khichdi with ghee or cold-pressed oil,  Steamed veggies with chutneys,  Fruit smoothies

 

How to fast to avoid Pitta imbalance 

Common fasting mistakes	Effects of imbalance	Fasting tips for balanced Pitta
Eating deep-fried, very spicy, salty food items;  Going on complete fast;  Fasting under stress	Giddiness Hot flashes Insomnia Nausea Frustration/ hunger Heartburn Acid reflux Infections	Liquid diet -  buttermilk with 1:4 curd and water ratio,  coconut water,  coconut cream and fruit smoothie, fruit juices,  fusion drinks with water, lemon, honey or jaggery, or herbs,  fennel seeds infused water,  salads

How to fast to avoid Kapha imbalance

Common fasting mistakes	Effects of imbalance	Fasting tips for balanced Kapha
Oily and heavy food items,  Dairy, Cold and frozen foods	Sluggish bowel movements Excess urination Emotional overeating Obesity Runny nose	Water-less or no-food fast

Fasting tips for all 

1. Eat with mindfulness: chew a morsel of food at least 32 times. Chewing produces saliva in your mouth which is alkaline. When consuming anything liquid, sip and swirl it in the mouth before gulping down.
2. Avoid salt & chilies: Use lemon, herbs, spices, and honey for flavor.
3. Avoid white sugar: Use mishri and jaggery instead.
4. Avoid fried and starchy food items: Instead, consume foods high in nutritional value like non-grain superfoods and herbs.

Based on inputs by Kaushani Desai, Faculty, Holistic Cooking Program