Janmashtami vrat: Dietician shares how to observe Janmashtami 2025 fast in a way that is safe and actually good for you
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Simrat Kathuria, a celebrity dietician and nutritionist, shared tips on how to get enough nutrients during Janmashtami 2025 to support your overall health and well-being.
'Best vrat is the 1 that nourishes both soul and body'
She said, 'During Janmashtami, prior to contemporary times, devotees would avoid grains and pulses and sometimes even water and focus on fruit, milk products, and satvic preparations. However, the current, fast-paced environment – where nutrient requirements and health goals vary widely – does not support a one-size-fits-all approach to vrat.'
She added, 'Contemporary vrat need not be a battleground between the traditional and the nutritional. With mindful scrutiny of ingredients and listening to cues from the body, a person can experience the spiritual fulfilment of Janmashtami while keeping energy and health intact. In the end, the best vrat is the one that nourishes both your soul and your body.'
Fruit and dairy-based fast for Janmashtami is best for people with good blood sugar control and some physical activity.(Shutterstock)
Choosing the right fasting style for you
Simrat said, 'Historically, vrat was not just religious or spiritual -- it was thought to rest the digestive system, promote mindful eating, and enhance self-control. Today, it can still provide these benefits when food choices are made carefully to ensure that nutrient depletion does not occur and there is no extreme dip in energy.'
According to her, not all fasting styles are suitable for everyone, and your health level, activity level, and goals should dictate the kind of fast suitable for you. She explained:
⦿ Fruit and dairy-based fast for Janmashtami
Simrat said, 'The fast is best for people with good blood sugar control and some physical activity. Bananas, apples, papayas, dates, milk, curd, and paneer fall into this category.'
⦿ Nut and seed fast for Janmashtami
She added, 'These provide sustained energy during day-to-day work. Almonds, Walnuts, Makhana (fox nuts), and chia seeds supply good fats and proteins.'
⦿ Vrat-friendly grains for Janmashtami
'Samak rice (barnyard millet), rajgira (amaranth), and singhara atta (water chestnut flour) may be used to prepare rotis, pancakes, or porridges, which are proper meal ingredients for a vrat,' Simrat said.
When eating, pick slow-digesting, nutrient-laden vrat foods such as samak ke chawal (barnyard millet), rajgira (amaranth), singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour), and sabudana. (Freepik)
Smart choice for sustained energy
Simrat shared, 'In the morning, have hydrating drinks such as coconut water, lemon water, or infused water, instead of just tea or coffee, to maintain the electrolyte balance. When eating, pick slow-digesting, nutrient-laden vrat foods such as samak ke chawal (barnyard millet), rajgira (amaranth), singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour), and sabudana. These should be coupled with a good protein source so that no energy crash follows through the day, or even paneer, curd or nuts, to keep hunger at bay.'
Balance and not binge
Many people choose heavy, fried foods to break the fast, which can lead to indigestion, bloating, and tiredness. Instead, according to Simrat, a light first meal is the best choice — sabudana khichdi with some vegetables, a bowl of curd, and some fruit — balanced enough to keep blood sugar levels even and hold off a binge.
Informed approach to festive treats
Sweets are part of the celebrations. However, Simrat said healthier options will serve well — use jaggery or dates instead of refined sugar and instead of deep frying, try roasting or baking. 'Keep track of portions: after all, vrat is as much about discipline as it is about devotion,' she added.
Balancing tradition with nutrition
Lighter fried vrat snacks, such as sabudana vadas or heavy desserts, may cause post-fasting lethargy. Instead, Simrat said, prefer roasting or steaming. Herbs such as mint, coriander, and cumin aid digestion and prevent wind. Drinking something is important — this should essentially be coconut water, lemon water with rock salt, or herbal teas that help balance electrolytes," she added.
break your fast gently with hydrating fluids, followed by a balancing meal. Remember, vrat is meant to give the body a break — not overload it at the end.(Shutterstock)
Blood sugar management during fasts
According to Simrat, patients with blood sugar disorders usually do not maintain normal blood sugar even during short fasting periods: 'Foods higher in carbohydrate content, such as sabudana and fruits, can be paired with curd, paneer, or nuts to slow down glucose release. Also, smaller, frequent meals can help the fasting person avoid energy crashes.'
Mindfulness and portion control
Simrat said, 'Once the fast is broken, the festive spirit pulls us toward overindulgence. Instead, break your fast gently with hydrating fluids, followed by a balancing meal. Remember, vrat is meant to give the body a break — not overload it at the end.'
Sample modern-day vrat plate
⦿ Breakfast: coconut water + a handful of soaked almonds + papaya slices
⦿ Morning snack: roasted makhana tossed in rock salt and pepper
⦿ Lunch: samak rice khichdi with vegetables + cucumber raita
⦿ Evening: Herbal tea + date and walnut energy ball
⦿ Dinner: rajgira roti with paneer and mint chutney + warm milk with saffron
The emotional and spiritual connection
She added, 'Apart from the physical benefits, fasting on Janmashtami offers an opportunity to pause, think, and feel grateful. When we prepare some plain and wholesome food for the fast, we are connected to the very spirit of this festival: purity, balance, and devotion.'
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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