7 Tips for Healthy Ramadan Fasting
Ramadan (Ramazan) is the holiest month for Muslim Ummah and this is the much revered and blessed month for Muslims all around the world.
One of the most awaited times of the year is Ramadan and which involves fasting from dawn to sunset and help us to enhance our spirituality and devotion to ALLAH SWT.
Numerous hadiths and ayahs mention the excellence and importance of this exalted month.
In a hadith, Abu Hurayrah told that Prophet Muhammad said:
“When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained”.
The month of Ramadan gives every Muslim an opportunity to seek forgiveness from Almighty ALLAH SWT by involving themselves in sincere prayers, giving charity, reading Quran, and performing good deeds.
However, unfortunately, most Muslims have made Ramadan a feasting festival rather that a fasting festival. Making their iftar table full of fried and unhealthy food items and breaking fast with oily food and sweet and carbonated drinks. Indulging in fatty and heavy foods during Ramadan offsets the health benefits of fasting and makes you feel inactive and lazy throughout the day.
To remain active and healthy, it is important to have a light meal in suhoor and iftar making sure that you are consuming a balanced diet.
Here are some tips for a healthy Ramadan fasting
- First things first, Never skip suhoor(sehri/pre-dawn meal)
Suhoor is the first meal of the day and is very important as it gives strength to fast throughout the day without making you feel weak or hungry.
In an authentic hadith, Anas ibn Maalik r.a said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is a blessing.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1923; Muslim, 1095)
- Never over eat in iftar
It is a sunnah to break the fast with dates. Dates are packed with natural sugar, fiber, minerals, and vitamins thus providing instant energy.
- Keep yourself hydrated
During Ramadan, the amount of water intake reduces so it is very important to drink enough water during non-fasting hours. Always focus on eating hydrating fruits and vegetables like melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach , etc.
- Avoid consuming too much caffeine
Caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee increase fluid loss from the body making one feel dehydrated and lethargic.
- Say no to fried, salty, and high-sugar foods
The satisfaction that these greasy and sugary food provides you is temporary however they take a toll on your system making you feel sluggish, lazy, and difficult to fast the next day. Eating oily and heavy meals not only makes you feel uncomfortable but also gives you unhealthy weight gain and also affects your heart health.
- Keep yourself moving
Most of the time it is observed that people who are fasting are always lying around with no physical activity. Although fasting may be exhausting and difficult but if you keep yourself engaged in productive things and offer your salah properly without being sedentary you will feel better and lighter and more active.
- Eat healthily
Learn about your food. Always include food items on your plate that give you a balanced and nutritious meal. Consume whole grains, salads, fruits, vegetables, protein-rich food, and dairy products like milk, curd, and cottage chees/paneer.
Make sure to consult a doctor in case of any health conditions before you start fasting. And don’t forget to listen to your body. Observe what food works best for you and suits you and also make adjustments to your routines accordingly. Take rest when needed and don’t overstress yourself.
Keep your intentions pure and stay healthy.
May ALLAH accept our prayers and keep us steadfast on our Deen.
Read more:
Food tips for Ramadan: What to eat and what to avoid
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