Vrat aka fasting is not just about skipping food, it is like a cosmic reset, a chance to unplug from heavy vibes (and heavier meals) and tune into something lighter and higher. But here’s the thing: not all foods are equal when you are trying to vibe with the divine.

Whether you are fasting on Ekadashi, Navratri, or a random Tuesday because your family astrologer said Mercury needs some appeasing, knowing what to eat and what to avoid is the key. Basically, during fasting, you need to nourish your body without clogging your spiritual Wi-Fi. So, we bring you an astro-aligned guide to what should go on your plate and what should vanish like yesterday’s horoscope, when you are observing a fast.

Why what you eat matters during a fast

In the astrological and Ayurvedic world, fasting is all about balancing your doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), making space for clarity and cooling down planetary heat. Think of it as deleting junk files so your soul’s operating system runs smoother. The Moon, which governs the mind, is especially sensitive to what you eat on a fast day. So, if your mental state feels off after munching something heavy, you should blame both the food and your nakshatra.

What you can eat during a fast?

Now, let us talk about what you can eat (Because let’s be honest, that’s why you’re here). Here is a friendly list of foods to eat during a fast, especially those supported by Vedic astrology, Ayurveda, and a few seasoned pandits who know their sabudana from their samosa. 1. Fruits: Go wild here. Apples, bananas, papayas, pomegranates, and seasonal fruits are all green flags. Fruits are sattvic, which means they are light, pure, and high-vibe foods that calm your mind and make your stomach feel like a beautiful zen garden. 2. Sabudana: Popular during Navratri, sabudana (Tapioca pearls) is easy to digest and packed with carbs. It is perfect if your energy is tanking, just do not deep-fry it into oblivion. 3. Rock salt: Regular salt is a no-no during most fasts because it is processed. Rock salt, on the other hand, is pure, unrefined, and astrologically neutral. To be frank, it is basically the Virgo of condiments. 4. Potatoes and sweet potatoes: Root veggies are generally allowed because they are grounding and cooling. They stabilise Vata energy and are considered comforting to the Moon. 6. Milk, ghee, and paneer: These dairy items are considered sattvic, calming, and nutrient-rich. Ghee, in particular, is said to enhance digestive fire without disturbing your mental balance.

The do not touch list (Even if you get cravings)

1. Wheat, rice and pulses: These are rajasic and tamasic. In simple terms, they are heavy, agitating, and dulling. Vedic texts often recommend avoiding these during fasts because they spike your system instead of purifying it. 2. Onions and garlic: No shade, but these two are drama queens in the sattvic world. They are known to stimulate passion and inertia, which is why they are avoided in temple kitchens and by serious fasters. 3. Regular table salt: Processed and full of additives, astrologers believe table salt interferes with the subtle energies you are trying to access while fasting. 4. Meat, eggs and alcohol: This one is a no-brainer. These are tamasic foods, which literally means they make your energy sluggish and your spiritual antenna fuzzy. 5. Caffeinated drinks and processed sugars: Okay, this is a controversial take, but coffee is not always fasting-friendly. It overstimulates the mind and can mess with your meditative vibe. If you must, opt for tulsi tea or lemon water.

A quick note on fasting and planets

• Fasting on Mondays? Stick to milk and fruit as it pleases Moon.
• Tuesdays? Opt for simple foods root veggies sauteed in ghee.
• Saturdays? Try black sesame, jaggery, and water.
• Ekadashi fasts? Avoid grains altogether. These fasts are meant to raise your spiritual game, not your blood sugar.

Final cosmic bite

Fasting is not about starving or flexing willpower. It is meant to reset your body, mind, and sometimes even your karma. Choosing the right foods during a fast helps you align with cosmic energy, stay focused, and keep your system clean enough to receive higher guidance. So, next time you are observing a fast, think of your plate as an Astro-offering, not a punishment. Eat mindfully, chant gently, and let your gut guide your glow-up.