New Delhi: As Karwa Chauth approaches, preparing for the fast begins with Sargi, the pre-dawn meal that sustains wives throughout the day. This meal is vital as it not only provides essential nutrients but also boosts energy levels for the fasting period. Eating a balanced Sargi is crucial to maintaining stamina, hydration, and overall well-being.
Fasting for a long duration during the Karwa Chauth fast can lead to dehydration, loss of energy and tiredness even severe headaches or other issues in the body. To avoid such a situation one must keep in mind to eat the right foods before the start of the fast and also to consume light meals a day prior for easy digestion. With lots of space in your stomach make sure to make ideal food choices for a happy and healthy fasting. Here is a guide for you to choose the right foods and enjoy healthy fasting,
Why eating the right foods for Sargi is important
Nutritionist and Lifestyle coach, Ruhcita Batra shares the importance of consuming the right food during sargi and how it can help you throughout the day to stay energised. She shares that don’t skip your sargi due to laziness! It’s key to keeping you energised throughout the day. Begin by hydrating well with 2-3 glasses of water and add only healthy foods to your diet early in the morning.
After a long day of fasting, it’s tempting to overeat but start slow. Break your fast with water or lemon water, followed by fruits like papaya or pomegranate, which are gentle on your stomach. For dinner, choose a balanced meal with vegetables, daal, and roti to refuel your body. Though popular, try to limit deep-fried snacks and sugary items, as they can cause energy crashes and digestive discomfort.
Best foods to include in your Sargi thali
Nutritionist Ruchita went on to add that for a perfect sargi thali can be helpful for you to keep you in good health throughout the day or provide you with energy you will need to focus on complex carbs like paratha, poha, and traditional items. Add protein-rich foods such as paneer or dal to sustain your energy, and don’t forget good fats like almonds and walnuts. Fresh fruits will give you fibre and natural sugars to keep you feeling light and healthy. A well-balanced sargi will ensure you stay energised and strong for the fast ahead!
Healthy Sargi Recipes for Karwa Chauth
- Oats and dry fruit kheer: Rich in fibre and protein, this kheer combines oats with dry fruits like almonds and pistachios. Prepare it with low-fat milk and natural sweeteners like honey or jaggery for a wholesome start to your fast.
Ingredients
1 cup oats, 2 cups low-fat milk, 1 tbsp honey/jaggery, almonds, pistachios.How to make
Boil oats in milk. Once soft, add chopped dry fruits and sweetener. Simmer for 5 minutes, and serve warm. - Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana is an excellent source of carbs. This light, easy-to-digest dish is made with roasted peanuts, which add protein, and light seasoning with cumin seeds. A squeeze of lemon enhances the flavour, making it a refreshing morning meal.Ingredients
1 cup soaked sabudana, ½ cup peanuts, 1 tsp cumin, lemon, salt.How to make
Heat oil, fry cumin, add sabudana, peanuts, salt, and stir. Squeeze lemon juice on top - Makhana Ladoo
Makhana is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, making it a perfect addition to a Karwa Chauth Sargi. Makhana ladoos are made with ghee, jaggery, and dry fruits, providing long-lasting energy without being too heavy.Ingredients
1 cup makhana, 2 tbsp ghee, ¼ cup jaggery, dry fruits.How to make
Roast makhana in ghee. Add jaggery, mix well with dry fruits, and shape into ladoos. - Multigrain Parantha
This parantha, made with a blend of whole grains like wheat, millet, and oats, provides slow-releasing carbohydrates, which helps keep you energized throughout the day. Pair it with curd or pickles for added flavour and nutrition.Ingredients
Whole wheat, millet, oat flour, water, ghee.How to make
Mix flour, knead dough, and roll into paranthas. Cook on tawa with ghee.
- Moong Dal Cheela
A protein-rich pancake made from moong dal, cheela is easy to digest and keeps hunger pangs at bay. Add veggies like grated carrots and spinach to boost the fibre content.Ingredients
1 cup soaked moong dal, grated veggies, salt, cumin.How to make
Blend dal, add veggies, cumin, and salt. Pour batter on tawa, and cook until golden.
This is your complete guide to fasting right and eating healthy to keep yourself away from any problems and energetic throughout the fasting. Ensure to apply the rule of not overeating on breaking the fast to avoid gastric issues or any other problem due to long fasting hours. Happy Fasting!