First Karwa Chauth fast? Nosh on these 'sargi' foods to keep hunger pangs at bay

Days ahead of the first Karwa Chauth after my wedding, I was nail-biting over the obvious apprehensions that come with consciously going without food or water for a whole day. I didn’t quite know what to eat for my ‘sargi’ – the meal before sunrise – that will keep me away from craving food or a drink or just that simple glass of water! We’re sure you’re facing the same quandary if you’re observing the Karwa Chauth for the first time, aren’t you ladies?

The thought of filling your stomach for the whole day in one go can seem a tad overwhelming. And people tend to mix up a whole lot of things in a go – water, chai, dry fruits, fruits, paratha, curd, fried stuff and sweet delights. But hold your horses, ladies. It is smartest to think of your ‘sargi’ plate of how every meal of yours should be – fulfilling nutrition-wise, and not quantity-wise!

karwa chauth
Yes, some people do eat parathas for their Karwa Chauth sargi. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

First of all, don’t stress! If you are observing a Karwa Chauth fast for the first time, just know the kind of foods you should include or exclude.

HealthShots reached out to Avni Kaul, nutritionist, wellness coach, and founder of NutriActivania, Delhi, to find out more. And here’s what she said:

Typically, the sargi, which a mother-in-law gives to a daughter-in-law, is meant to contain nourishing food. Since you are only allowed to eat once, so as to prevent headaches and dizziness, it is important to eat healthy and right.

Foods and drinks to consume on Karwa Chauth

1. Fruits
Try to eat fruits like banana, pomegranate, and papaya that are nutritious and they also help to keep you hydrated. Besides fruits, you can also drink coconut water which will keep you energised.

2. Dry fruits
Another food you should eat is dry fruits such as cashews, almonds and raisins which are known to be storehouses of energy. So, consuming them will help to feel energised for a long time.

3. Light Foods
Vermicelli and porridge contain nutrients and are fibrous which help in keeping the body hydrated and energised during the day. The sugar consumed in the form of sweets and fruits need to be balanced with light foods like sewai or vermicelli, and daliya (porridge). You can also include milk to porridge or sewai to make the food tastier.

Also Read: Karwa Chauth fasting can be injurious to your health. A nutritionist explains why

karwa chauth
Dry fruits are energising! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Foods and drinks to avoid on Karwa Chauth

1. Tea and coffee
Try not to drink tea or coffee to avoid developing acidity.

2. Spicy and deep-fried foods
These will leave you feeling thirsty, besides leaving you feeling bloated and heavy.

So ladies, we hope these tips come in handy for you and you have a happy and healthy Karwa Chauth!