By Aishwarya Sahasrabudhe
July 16, 2023
Sawan, or Shravan is the auspicious monsoon month, a time for rituals and prayer. Many choose to fast on multiple days of the week to observe abstinence of the body and mind. Here are some vrat-friendly foods for Sawan which nourish the body and are light on the stomach.
Rich in complex carbohydrates, sweet potatoes give the body the required amount of energy and nutrition during fast days when many vegetables and dals are excluded from meals.
Having probiotics like curd and buttermilk in the right quantity during monsoons can promote gut health. Milk and ghee are also superfoods that complete the body's nutrition requirement on fast days.
Avoid eating regular salt during Sawan. Instead use pink salt in cooking as well as for seasoning fresh fruits. Certain spices like cumin, cardamom and cinnamon are also vrat-appropriate flavours.
Having dry fruits and nuts like cashews, almonds and peanuts in measured quantities are extremely beneficial on fast days because they provide the body with protein and good fats.
Fruits like pomegranates, oranges, apples will give the body an energy boost and keep it fresh throughout the day. During a fruit and water fast, include bananas for a feeling of satiety.
Any vrat day is really incomplete without the sabudana or tapioca pearls. Have sabudana khichdi for breakfast and eat light throughout the day to make the most of abstaining from certain food groups.
Buckwheat flour is extremely rich in nutrients and can be added to a vrat meal in the form of rotis, parathas and pakodas. It promotes weight-loss and is a wholesome source of fibre and carbohydrates.
Foxnuts or makhana are an anti-inflammatory, rich in potassium and phosphorous. A healthy munching for vrat days, opt for lightly seasoned, salted makhanas for maximum benefit.