It’s that time of the year again where Muslims all around the world will be welcoming the month of Ramadan, beginning on May 6. As the blessed month is just around the corner, here’s a guide to be abreast of all the good food choices you should make. So let’s dive right into it.
Ramadan, the month of the Quran, is one of the holiest month for Muslims. It’s the fourth pillar of Islam among five and the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr) lies here in.
Millions of Muslims around the world will be fasting every day for a month from sunrise to sunset, refraining from drinking, eating and smoking. While Muslims await the holiness and goodness of this month, Ramadan falls at the peak of summer this year. This means fasting hours become longer, and so it is extremely important to be eating right so your body can last all day.
Fasting can be a more exhausting experience for some. Unusual fatigue and dehydration is common. It is however possible to eat healthy during Sehr so that you have energy throughout the day.
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Water is a must! If you want to avoid dehydration experts advise to drink as much water as possible before Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and after Iftari (breaking of fast).
Continue with your daily fitness routine – Light exercises are great to keep blood flowing. Weight training and cardio are advised to be done after Iftari.
Sehri – Foods that provide long lasting energy, such as complex carbohydrates and high-fiber foods should be consumed in Sehri. Examples of complex carbohydrate items include whole-wheat, oats, beans and rice as they are rich in energy and release it slowly throughout the day.
Iftari – It is customary for Muslims to either break their fast with dates or water. The benfits of opening your fast with dates are that it helps restore the sugar and other nutrients in the body and are easy to digest.
Foods one should avoid in Iftari are high sugar, high fat and deep fried foods such as samosas, oily curries, traditional sweetmeats. However, there are healthy alternatives to it, such as baked samosas, grilled or baked meats, or ‘air-fried’ foods.
Balanced food intake is essential in the month of Ramadan. In order to prevent muscle breakdown, dehydration and other health risks the meals we eat must contain enough levels of energy-rich foods.
