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In many Indian homes, fasting happens often. Some fast every Monday or Thursday, and others do it during Shravan or Ekadashi. People follow different rules, but fruit is usually allowed. Still, just eating sliced papaya or a few bananas doesn’t always feel like a full meal.
You need something that gives a bit more energy and lasts longer in the stomach. Fruit helps, but on its own, it digests quickly. When you add things like milk, nuts, or a handful of makhana, it becomes more filling. These are not full thalis or elaborate recipes, they're quick meals you can put together during a busy day or before heading out.
These five ideas use fruit in simple ways that don’t feel like you’re just snacking. You’ll recognise most of the ingredients already, and you won’t need anything fancy.
1. Banana With Peanut Butter And Makhana
Bananas are easy to digest and keep you going for a few hours. If you slice two bananas in a bowl, add a spoonful of peanut butter, and crush some dry-roasted makhana on top, it turns into a proper meal. The bananas give energy, the peanut butter adds fat and protein, and the makhana gives crunch.
If peanut butter isn’t used in your home during fasts, you can use chopped almonds or soft dates instead. Some people also drizzle a bit of honey, though it depends on personal preference. It works well in the morning before you start your day, especially if you won’t get time to eat later. It takes about five minutes to prepare and doesn’t need cooking.
2. Papaya Smoothie With Coconut Milk And Sabja
Papaya is light on the stomach and good for digestion. You can blend a cup of ripe papaya with half a cup of coconut milk to make a soft, creamy smoothie. Add a pinch of cardamom and stir in soaked sabja seeds just before drinking. Sabja seeds help with acidity and keep you full for longer.
Some people add honey for sweetness, but that depends on the fruit. If the papaya is ripe enough, you won’t need anything else. This smoothie is best during the afternoon when the weather is hot. You can make it in advance and keep it chilled if you’re stepping out. It doesn’t feel heavy, but it does give you steady energy for a few hours.
3. Sweet Potato And Pomegranate Bowl
Sweet potato is one of the most common ingredients during fasting days. It gives a lot of energy without making you feel too full. After boiling one medium-sized sweet potato, cut it into small cubes. Mix it with half a cup of pomegranate seeds, a few drops of lemon juice, and some sendha namak.
You can add roasted peanuts or a bit of grated coconut for more texture. It’s a good option if you want something that feels like real food and not just fruit. The sweetness of the sweet potato and the bite of the pomegranate go well together. You can eat this around lunch or even in the evening when your energy drops a bit.
4. Apple Kheer With Makhana And Dates
If you feel like having something warm or closer to dessert, this kheer works well. Heat one cup of milk in a pan and add broken pieces of makhana. Let them soften for a few minutes. Grate one apple and stir it into the milk. Add one chopped date or a few soaked raisins.
Let it simmer till it thickens slightly. You can add a pinch of cardamom or saffron if you like those flavours. This is a good option when you’re fasting during cooler weather or feel like eating something soft and comforting. It tastes best when slightly warm. You can also make it ahead and reheat it later.
5. Fruit Bowl With Coconut And Sabudana Papad
This is a mix of cut fruit and crunchy sides. Use banana, apple, chikoo, and orange, cut into different sizes to keep it interesting. Add some freshly grated coconut and a little lemon juice. Sprinkle a bit of sendha namak. Mix gently and let it sit for a few minutes so the juices blend.
Roast a sabudana papad and break it into pieces. Add it just before eating, so it stays crisp. This bowl feels like a complete meal, not just a salad. The coconut adds richness, and the papad makes it more fun to eat. It’s a good meal when you want something cold and light but not too simple.
