February 23, 2017
MahaShivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva. All through India, people fast on the day of Mahashivratri. The practice of fasting is done to detoxify the body.
Fasts are not meant to create undue hardship or create a life-threatening situation. All religions discourage people who are sick, pregnant, nursing a baby from fasting. Patients with diabetes fall under this category.
Important tips to control your sugar levels during Mahashivratri are:
1.Keep yourself Hydrated:
- Drink atleast 10-12 glasses of water a day.
- Include buttermilk, lime water (without sugar), milkshake (without cream and sugar), plain milk.
2.Avoid Heavy or Strenuous activity:
- Do not engage in heavy workouts, as your sugar levels might just get too low while fasting
- Instead walk for 20-25minutes, or do cycling.
3.Eat Fresh Fruits:
- Eating fruits will provide the essential nutrients and vitamins that are required by the body.
- You can include fruits during fasting asrecommended by your Dietitian.
4.Do not hog:
- People observing phalahar eat one meal at any time of the day. In that meal, do not hog on or feast yourself.
- Overeating your plate will only lead to health problems like indigestion and weight gain
5.Avoid spicy and oily foods:
- Eating spicy and oily foods in the dinner before fasting can cause stomach problems like acidity, indigestion and loose motions the next day.
- So prefer healthy and blunt food.
6.Watch out what you eat:
- There are many devotees who feast on fried foods like chips and pakoras prepared with rock salt during Shivratrivrat.
- Fried foods can lead to gas and lethargy so; watch out on what you eat
- Avoid fried items, sago, fruit juices which can cause sudden spike in your blood sugar levels
- Stick to healthier food options
Posted in Diabetes Care