o you have been dancing your heart out during these Navratri nights?

In fact, eight nights of dancing and revelry are enough to make even the fittest person lose his/her breath!

How do you retain your strength and energy for the last big night? 

Here's what Get Ahead, in consultation with nutritionist and fitness expert Samreedhi Sharma, came up with just for you. A step-by-step plan to keep up your spirits and your stamina!

Say no to an empty stomach

Don't go on an empty stomach. Don't hope that you will get to the venue and have food there. It never works that way. So build your energy. Have a good meal an hour or so before you leave for the venue.

What should you eat?

Heavy food.

Samreedhi explains, "What I am referring to is not in terms of fat content, but more in terms of complex carbohydrates."

Here are some examples: whole grain, cereals, pasta, vegetables and salads. They help build your energy slowly.

Don't have maida (white flour) or sweets. They are very heavy and low on energy.

Water -- your secret elixir!

Drink plenty of water before and during the event. It is important that you keep yourself hydrated.

Instant energy's not the answer!

Try and avoid juices. They give you instant energy. Instead, have fruits for more lasting energy.

Break time is good time too!

Take lots of breaks in between dancing, so you don't damage your ligaments or pull a muscle.

S-t-r-e-t-c-h!

Stretch a lot after you come back to avoid being sore the next morning.

Keyword: Relax

Make sure you relax your body. A simple Shavasan or Pranayama will help you cool down and get your heartbeat back to the normal level.

A hot bath for a cool day!

Have a hot water bath tomorrow morning.

Continue on a healthy exercise routine. This will help you remain fit for Diwali too!

Samreedhi Sharma spoke to Rujuta Paradkar.

Image: Rajesh Karkera