With Navratri approaching, many households are preparing fasting staples, and sabudana (sago pearls) is a go-to choice. However, those focused on weight management often wonder: Is sabudana weight-loss friendly? To find out, we spoke with three experts on how sabudana fits into a healthy diet, especially during fasting periods. Sabudana: A High-Carb Staple Prashant Desai, the Longevity Sherpa, says that sabudana is a starch-rich food, with nearly 99% of its calories coming from carbohydrates.
He explains, “Sabudana is calorie-dense, and excess carbs can lead to weight gain if not balanced properly.” Desai states the importance of how it is prepared, saying that it is traditionally never consumed alone. “When made into sabudana khichdi, it’s typically cooked with ghee, veggies, peanuts, and coconut, which helps reduce the glycemic load (GL) and keeps you fuller longer.
” He advises adding veggies, nuts, and curd to recipes like sabudana vada to lower its glycemic load and make it more balanced. Including a variety of ingredients ensures that while sabudana may be carb-heavy, it does not spike blood sugar as quickly when eaten as part of a balanced meal. Desai stresses that mindful eating is key: “When eaten in small quantities and paired with other Saatvik foods like fruits and nuts, sabudana can be part of a healthy diet.
” Sabudana and Weight Management Dr Anshul Singh, Team Leader of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at Artemis Hospitals, gives a similar view. He.