Hyderabad youth see Navaratri as way to cut flab

HYDERABAD: The Navaratri fast observed by many during the nine-day festival is as significant as the dandiya and garba raas held in the evenings.
Youngsters of mana city are taking this festive opportunity to observe the fast not just for the religious sentiments associated with it but also for the health benefits.
The 'detox' fast is gaining popularity among the 20-30 year olds who want to lose a few calories while observing penance.
Like 25-year-old Swathi A who thinks the nine days of detoxification will do good to her mind and body. "I shall be eating only fruits and dry fruits through all the nine days of Navaratri. It is not just the religious aspect, but also the benefits of a fruit diet that made me go on this routine," she said.
Since the Navaratri fast does not include total abstinence from all food, it is actually tailor-made as a cleansing regimen prescribed by many fitness experts. Cooked food is replaced with fruits, dry fruits and only natural liquids.
Finance professional Gloria D'souza Shah, 32, will be observing her first Navaratri fast post marriage, after several failed attempts to go on a diet. "I have been trying to go on a diet for the longest time but have not yet managed to do it. This time, I am determined to stick to a fruit and liquid diet all though out the nine days of the festival," she said.
While fitness experts mostly encourage the cleansing routine, they warn against the possibility of overdoing it. "I advise people to not go through intensive work out sessions while fasting. Since it is a continuous fast of nine days, at least fruits and liquids should be consumed instead of not eating anything at all," said fitness teacher Gopinath Garapati.
Experts also said that diabetic patients and pregnant women should be especially cautious when observing the fast. "Fasting should be done in a healthy way and should not render a person weak and malnourished. Since most people go for the dandiya dance at the end of the day, it is important to have some source of energy by consuming natural and light food," said nutritionist Sujatha Stephen.