An ancient practice, fasting is not without carefully inculcated food choices and eating habits.
Fasting, especially during festivities, makes you prone to oily and greasy snacks such as papads and potato chips, which affect digestion and appetite. The health benefits of fasting can be reaped only when it is not paired with junk or fatty foods. Eating foods with zero nutrition only worsens the after-effects of fasting. Here are your reasons for healthy snacking when you fast:
For a steady source of energy and prevention of BP spikes and crashes that can occur with less nutritious options, choosing nutrition is paramount.
Nutritious snacks are often lower in calories and higher in fibre, which can help in managing weight effectively during fasting periods.
Wholesome snacks are often more filling due to their higher fibre and protein content, essential to curb hunger and prevent overeating during main meals.
With the right ingredients, you promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is imperative for health and immunity.
The gluten-free atta dosa is made with buckwheat flour, a seed and not a grain, for the ultimate dose of strength required lest you fall sick. It is a potato-filled and deep-fried dosa almost resembling pakodas for some respite from fasting and engaging in a bit of feasting. The preparation has a distinct earthy and slightly nutty taste due to the buckwheat flour. It has a crisp texture on the outside, with a soft and slightly chewy interior. The addition of green chillies and coriander can enhance the flavour, giving it a mildly spicy and fresh taste. Dig in!
The tangy-flavoured rice or chawal ka dhokla is a fermented dhokla cooked with samwat rice, a type of rice popularly used during festivities, which taste amazing besides being gluten and oil-free. Rice dhokla is known for its light, airy, and spongy texture. The fermentation process creates air bubbles in the batter, which expand during steaming, giving the dhokla its characteristic fluffy and porous texture. When prepared correctly, it should be soft and melt-in-the-mouth, with a slight firmness that holds it together. Enjoy it as an afternoon snack.
Kela or banana kebabs are a true blessing especially when you crave something special during the monotonous fasting days. The ingredients are sendha, arrowroot, ginger, and bananas, and are often seasoned with spices and herbs, then shallow-fried or deep-fried to a crispy perfection. The texture is typically crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a yummy contrast. Besides being a fasting food, kela kebabs are served hot as an appetiser and side dish with accompaniments such as green chutney or yoghurt dip.
An item easy on the stomach and pretty convenient to make, it is a delicacy for your fasting days. It is made from sabudana, kuttu atta, and sama rice and served with coconut chutney or peanut chutney if not plain yoghurt. Farali Idli generally has a soft and spongy texture, similar to traditional idli, but it can be slightly denser depending on the ingredients used. Sometimes, for the extra pinch of deliciousness, the idli is garnished with fresh coriander leaves or a drizzle of ghee. Yum!
The crispy and fluffy sabudana vadas in a golden-brown tinge are an absolute delight to munch on. The sago pearls give it a slightly gelatinous texture, while the mashed potatoes provide a smooth and creamy consistency. Peanuts add a bit of crunch and nuttiness inside as well. Served with coriander, tamarind, or mint chutney, these vadas are mildly spicy and are super aromatic owing to the herbs and spices that are used in the preparation.
