Navratri fasting mistakes that can leave you tired, dehydrated or hungry

Fasting menus tend to be heavy on carbohydrates, which means protein and fibre quietly disappear from the plate. Without them, blood sugar rises and falls quickly, leaving you tired and constantly craving something sweet. Add peanuts, makhana, paneer (if your family eats it), curd, nuts and seeds for protein. Vegetables like lauki, pumpkin, cucumber and sweet potato, along with fresh fruit, bring fibre. A bowl of lauki raita with kuttu roti, or roasted makhana in the afternoon, can make a noticeable difference to your energy.