Many people observe the fast on the first Monday of Sawan with devotion to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. However, prolonged empty stomachs can lead to fatigue, weakness, and frequent hunger pangs. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet before and during the fast.
If you also want to fast the entire day without feeling tired, include fruits, milk, yogurt, makhana, dried fruits, and adequate water in your diet. Eating and drinking the right foods at the right times helps maintain energy and reduces hunger and weakness.
Eat a full meal before starting the fast
If your fast begins in the morning, eat foods that will keep you feeling full for a long time and provide you with ample energy. You can eat milk, yogurt, bananas, apples, makhana, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and other dried fruits. The protein, fiber, and healthy fats in these foods provide a gradual release of energy, reducing the likelihood of feeling hungry and weak throughout the day.
Avoid Dehydration
During the fast, drink small amounts of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. You can also drink coconut water or lemon water, as these help refresh the body and maintain energy. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and weakness. Therefore, it is crucial to stay hydrated during the fast.
Carry Fruits and Dried Fruits
If you are observing a fruit-based fast, keep a banana, apple, pomegranate, or a handful of almonds and walnuts with you. Eat a small portion of these whenever you feel hungry. Fruits provide the body with essential vitamins and natural sugars, while dried fruits like almonds and walnuts help maintain energy for a longer period of time. This prevents frequent hunger pangs and reduces weakness.
Avoid Excessive Running
During the fast, the body receives less energy than on normal days. Therefore, avoid excessive physical exertion or constant exposure to sunlight. Taking short breaks in between helps maintain energy.
Getting adequate sleep is also essential.
Try to get at least 7–8 hours of good sleep the night before the fasting day. A full night’s sleep refreshes the body in the morning and provides energy for the day. However, if you don’t get enough sleep, you may feel tired, lethargic, weak, and irritable during the fast. Therefore, along with fasting, ensure you get adequate sleep.