Seven dates a day keeps the doctor away. Source: HappyFresh
- There’s more to Ramadhan than fasting. A healthy body!
- Fast through Ramadhan with 5 healthy tips
- It’s time to embrace the new norm for this year’s Ramadhan
Assalamualaikum everyone! Ramadhan is around the corner, and Muslims will celebrate the month during which the prophet Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Al-Quran by fasting, praying and reflecting. Oh, I left out one more, losing weight! It’s typical of me to tell myself every Ramadhan, “I’m going to lose weight, you can do this!”
But then, I will be fat again as soon as Hari Raya Aidilfitri comes. The only thing we have to be concerned about is our health, not our bodies, especially during Ramadhan. So, how do we do that? Let’s dive into 5 tips for healthy eating during Ramadhan.
Rule Number 1: Do not skip Sahur (Suhoor)
Eat without me! I’m just going to continue sleeping. Source: iStock
I would always have a hard time waking up for Sahur. Wait, let me reword that. I have a hard time waking up in general; it’s to the point where my family members just gave up trying to rouse me.
And from there, I would face my consequences by suffering from a grumbling tummy until Iftar. Sahur, they are like breakfast. You couldn’t start the day without the most important meal of the day.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be a heavy meal; it can be as small as having a date just to kick-start your fasting day. Otherwise, you’ll be like me, or probably worse. You would feel weak, exhausted, suffering from low blood sugar or even constipation during the day.
Rule Number 2: Stay Hydrated, Bestie!
Water is your best friend for a healthy life. Source: Healthline
Fasting or no fasting, water is important nonetheless! And you already know the gist that a lack of water will cause fatigue, headache, general weakness and even dry skin. Oh, and another, your efforts to have a hydrated face would also have gone to waste. Let’s be creative by consuming high water content food, such as fruits. This could include strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes, and more.
Rule Number 3: Consume the Right Food
Why is it that healthy food is usually not delicious? Source: Healthline
Fasting can be challenging for me, especially when I crave various types of foods or drinks. And I can’t help but wonder, is this what pregnant women experience for 9 months? But anyway, there will always be this one place that I look forward to, Bazaar Ramadhan. It is the only source to buy my cravings, like Murtabak, Roti John, Kuih-Muih, and Cendol, yum!
They’re good, no doubt! It’s Malaysia, after all. But eating fried and salty food for a month straight would just end up destroying your health by increasing the cholesterol and sugar levels in your body.
Instead, go for a healthier choice! Choose fibre-rich food, such as fruits, vegetables, and even more healthier rice options like whole-grain, brown, red, black or wild rice. They will make you feel fuller since they take longer to digest.
Rule Number 4: Eat a bit for Iftar, continue again after Tarawih
Source: Healthline
I understand that you must be starving after a whole day of not eating. You can even eat the entire catering at this point. But relax, the food isn’t going to run away! As much as I would want to do the same, over-eating during Iftar wouldn’t be a good idea.
Not only will you gain weight quickly, but it will also cause your blood pressure and sugar level to spike, not considering gastrointestinal problems. I recommend you wait at least 20 minutes to let your meal be adequately digested. Or better, you can even wait until you have done performing the Tarawih prayer! You won’t just receive Pahala for good deeds but also a healthy tummy.
Rule Number 5: Get Up and Move!
Source: iStock
Move? As in go to the bed and sleep? I know, I know. It’s crazy to ask you to exercise during the fasting month. But trust me, the more you laze around, the more lethargic and hungry you become. So, how are you going to distract yourself from hunger? Move, of course.
Take a short walk around your neighbourhood or perform some tasks. It’s time you start helping your mom and learn how to cook. Sigh, I feel like I am advising myself. But seriously, you guys should start doing the same. This is the best opportunity to spend time with your family as you prepare for Iftar together. I have never felt so close to them during Ramadhan.
Taking Fasting and the New Norm with Positivity
Ramadhan has been different since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some people celebrate with their family members, others with friends and even those who do it alone. And it will probably be the same this year. So, it is time to start embracing the new norm and enjoy Ramadhan the new way!
Technology is very handy at connecting you with your loved ones, making it possible for us to celebrate Ramdhan together even when apart. We hope you like the healthy tips, Ramadhan Mubarak!
