The Shravan or Sawan month in the Hindu calendar is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mondays that fall during the Shravan month are considered very auspicious.
People who follow Shravan month have their own belief to observe the fast. Some fast for long life, happy married life or happiness of their children. It is believed that fasting during Sawan and worshipping Lord Shiva helps with wealth, luxury and increase in generation.
During Shravan month, a pure vegetarian diet is followed. Hence daily protein requirement may not be fulfilled and therefore a diet plan which meets your protein requirement from vegetarian sources has to be followed.
During the fast, people usually have potatoes, sago, fried banana chips which are high in starch and not recommended for diabetics.
Hence one should take care of the following things:
- Instead of sago have rajgeera, samo or mordhan; and instead of potato one can have sweet potato or ratalu, raw banana.
- Have more of green veggies, green leafy veggies which are high in fiber and beneficial for diabetics.
- One can have 1-2 fruits/day. Avoid fruit juices and milkshakes which are rich in calories and lacks in fiber. Avoid fruits such as chikkoo, banana, jackfruit, grapes, seetaphal.
- Have milk and milk products such as buttermilk or curd, pulses, almonds and walnuts, to meet the protein requirement.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Keep sipping water whole day. Make sure you have boiled water to avoid any infections and water borne diseases which are very often during monsoons.
Shravan month comes during the monsoons. So here are the tips to keep you free from various diseases:
- Avoid raw foods. Boil or Blanch vegetables to keep yourself safe from any disease. Avoid frying as it may add on to your calories. Instead of deep frying you can sauté or shallow fry the food item.
- Have stir fried or steamed salads instead of raw salads.
- Thoroughly wash all the fruits and vegetables before using it. At the same time wash your hands too before cooking.
- The ideal food practice is to eat freshly cooked food during monsoons and eat the food stored in the refrigerator with caution. In case of eating food stored which is stored in refrigerator re heat food before consumption.