Today is finally the day when most Indian married women will observe a nirjala fast to bless their husbands with a long and prosperous life. Feasting on sargi given by mother-in-laws and then after the sunrise, observing a nirjala fast, till moon shines, is the tradition of this festival. The Indian women tend to break the fast with a grand feast of delicious foods. These include fried foods, caffeinated drinks and heavy dishes, to compensate for the whole day of hunger. However, avoid breaking your fast in an unhealthy way.

1. Eat as per your appetite

Now this is very important that when you break your fast, do not gulp the food immediately. Karwa chauth pooja is expected to be completed with slowly eaten and well-chewed food. This will allow you to eat as per your appetite and also prevent associated troubles of acidity, bloating and laziness.

2. Fried foods come with their effects

It is advised to break your fast with foods that are light for your stomach, say dal-chawal, khichdi, idli, uttapam, dalia etc. Having fried foods at this time will load your digestive system beyond its extent causing gastric irritations, bloating or loose motions. This is because your body has been fasting for more than 12 hours and such a long time demands the food that your stomach can easily digest. Having fried foods tend to slow down the metabolism.

3. Tea or coffee: bad option

It may be true that the laziness post fasting makes you in a state of dire need of tea or coffee. But immediately after fast consuming caffeinated drinks such as tea or coffee may lead to acidity.

4. Munch on nuts and dry fruits

After having the meal, if you still feel hungry, do not keep having larger portions of cereal or pulse. Have a handful of nuts instead, that will give you healthy fats and satiety too. Have a mixture of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, raisins and seeds like flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds to give you the right push.

5. The most apt drink

You should not have the cola drinks. Loading with caffeine just adds on to trouble. Have a glass of fresh fruit juice or buttermilk, if thirsty.

6. Make fruits thy best friend

Both sargi and evening time of breaking fast are healthy enough if you include the fiber-rich and vitamin loaded fruits. These are the best foods one can have. They also curb the hunger.

7. Have low glycemic index carbohydrates

Opt for low glycemic index carbohydrates such as vegetables, grains, beans and legumes. Have whole grain chapatis or rice with pulses.

The final word

It is imperative to eat lighter and healthier foods as you break the fast in order to make the most of your special day.