Meat, poultry, and fish are usually avoided during fasting periods, including Sawan somvar.
These pungent vegetables are considered rajasic and tamasic (stimulating and impure) in nature, and therefore, they are avoided by some people during fasting.
Wheat, rice, lentils, and other grains and pulses are usually restricted during fasting. However, certain alternatives like buckwheat (kuttu), water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), and barnyard millet (samak) are commonly consumed.
Some people opt for a salt-free or low-salt diet during fasting. Instead, they may use rock salt (sendha namak) as an alternative.
Strong spices like chili powder, turmeric, asafoetida (hing), and mustard seeds are often avoided or used in minimal quantities during fasting.
Fermented foods like idli, dosa, and sourdough bread are generally not consumed during fasting.
Beverages like tea, coffee, and energy drinks that contain caffeine are avoided as they can be dehydrating.
Carbonated drinks, sodas, and other aerated beverages are typically not consumed during fasting due to their artificial ingredients and high sugar content.
Packaged snacks, fried foods, and processed items like chips and cookies are generally avoided during fasting due to their unhealthy nature.
Alcoholic drinks are strictly avoided during fasting periods like Sawan somvar.