Skip Parathas For Karwa Chauth; Healthier Sargi Options You Should Try

As Karwa Chauth 2025 dawns, married women across India have started preparing their sargi thalis – and deciding on what all to eat in the morning for their day-long fasting. Done before sunrise, sargi is a tradition

where women eat food as a fuel for more than 12 hours of fasting. With changing times and lifestyles, it is important to note that sargi thali – which traditionally incorporates parathas and sweets should now include foods that are healthy, satiating, and even hydrating to make sure fast feels light yet lasting.

Do not include parathas in your sargi thali

Parathas are filling and delicious, and also a staple in many households. Yet, before you begin a long fast, it is important to know that parathas can feel extremely heavy as they are high in carbs and oil – leading to a quick sugar spike and then a crash. Parathas can also cause bloating, acidity, and indigestion – and eventually make you drain sooner. And so, rather than high-calorie and high-fat sargi, make some changes by swapping them for something more balanced. Experts recommend adding foods that are packed with protein, fibre, and slow-release energy to help you stay active.

Foods you must incorporate in your sargi thali

Nuts and seeds

Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, proteins, and all the essential macro- and micronutrients, nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins should be a part of your thali as they offer sustained energy and promote satiety throughout the fast.

Fruits

Fresh and seasonal fruits never disappoint. Apart from taking care of your cravings for sweets, they are hydrating and nutritious, and are loaded with fibre.

Coconut

Coconut has essential fats, electrolytes, and can hydrate you while keeping your body nourished without causing heaviness.

Dalia

To fuel your body for the entire day ahead, eat a bowl of vegetable or fruit dalia - a whole grain packed with fibre, minerals, and protein, along with a glass of milk or lassi, to stay nourished and hydrated longer. Apart from regulating digestion, it also keeps your blood sugar levels stable and heart healthy. Dalia supports your bone strength, muscle development, and provides sustained energy.

Things to take care of

No oily foods

In your sargi thali, there should be no heavy or fried foods like samosas or pakoras as they would slow digestion and make you feel sluggish or nauseous within a few hours of fasting.

No sugar

Completely eliminate any kind of sugary snacks like laddoos or barfis apart from carbonated and sugary drinks that can give you a quick energy spike, but always followed by a crash. You will feel dizzy or weak halfway through your fast. Instead, drink milk, coconut water, fresh fruit juice, or lassi.

Less salt

Skip salty or highly spiced foods like chaats or pickles that may dehydrate you faster - especially if you are not drinking water in between.

No tea or coffee

Completely avoid carbonated or caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, or colas, which only add to dehydration and can cause severe headaches.