This Friday we begin the holy month of Ramadan. For Muslims these 30 days are a time for prayer and reflection and most importantly fasting from sunrise to sunset. It does require a lot of discipline and it is not easy but somehow we do get the strength to complete this month and then celebrate.
My coworker Beheshta Kiyam is a Registered Dietitian and has graciously written today’s blog! Follow her on Instagram @thehijabidietitian and enjoy the below 🙂
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I know for me, as the fasting days are approaching, I have been constantly thinking about how the days may seem longer now that I am at home. However, I have come to realize that maybe this is exactly what we need right now. More time to pray, more time to reflect, more time to express gratitude for everything we have, and most of all more time to spend with our families or loved ones prepping dinner and breaking our fast together.
Prepping for iftar and suhoor every night can be challenging, especially for our Middle Eastern cultures where most of our food is focused on carbohydrates and fried meals. As a Registered Dietitian, I always say you can still enjoy the meals you crave during this month but to be mindful of:
- Portion sizes of meals throughout the night. Avoid having a big meal really fast at iftar because it will leave you feeling more bloated and sluggish afterwards.
- Take a 15 minute break to either walk or stretch after iftar for better digestion.
- Control your caffeine intake as it will leave you dehydrated throughout the day.
- Stay hydrated and include fiber in your meals to avoid constipation.
- Focus on protein for Suhoor so your body stays full longer.
- Incorporate a fresh salad or raw vegetables with hummus at meals to make sure you are still consuming all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
- Homemade smoothies are a great way to increase your water and vegetable intake.
