In general, fasting is the method of detoxifying the body by eliminating all the excess waste from the body. The reason for doing fasting can be many, but for a few it is a customary form of spiritual fasting. Ramadan fasting is done as a form of self discipline, it is an opportunity for food nibblers, caffeine addicts or even for chain smokers to break off from their habit. Although fasting is an amazing way to loose weight, it is quite possible to put on weight during the Ramadan fasting. So, the trick to avoid this is by balancing the diet and calories intake.
Tips for Ramadan fasting
To have an healthy and energetic Ramadan fasting, consider the following points:
Light Meal:
- Between the Iftar and Suhoor, make sure that you do not fill up yourself with loads of food and drinks. As this will contradict the Ramadan spirit and defeats the whole purpose of fasting. And, because of this excess food intake, a few health problems might emerge clogging your digestive system.
- Have a super light meal consisting of juices, dates or a nice soup. Save up the rest of the meal to have it later after the Maghrib prayers. Make sure that you drink plenty of water, as it would serve as a source of energy and glucose to the body.
Things to Eat: During your Ramadan fasting, you can eat the following things:
- Since you will be fasting for longer periods of time, it is wise to have foods that are slow digesting and at the same time are rich in fibre. This will make the food last for about 8 hours rather than the fast- digesting food, that would only last for about 4 hours.
- A few slow-digesting fasting foods can be seeds and grains like barley, oats, wheat, millet, beans, semolina, whole meal flour, lentils and unpolished rice.
- A few fibre rich foods that can be consumed are whole wheat grains, bran, fruits that can eaten with skin, vegetables like peas, spinach, green beans and beetroot leaves. Even dried apricots, almonds and prunes can be eaten.
Things to Avoid Eating: During your Ramadan fasting, make sure that you avoid eating the following foods:
- Anything to do with salty, hot and spicy food, simply avoid it. Spicy food can make you feel very thirsty and the salt in the food would make the body to retain the water and makes you feel very bloated.
- Sugary and sweet foods would tend to burn faster, making ti to last only for about 3-4 hours. And, sugary food will turn into fat which contributes to weight gain and also in increasing the cholesterol levels.
- Avoid eating fried food. They cause heartburn, indigestion and weight problems. Even in general limit your fried intake.
Drinks to Avoid
- Drink plenty of water between The Iftar and the bedtime as it will ensure that you do not get dehydrated.
- Avoid drinking high caffeine drinks like tea, coffee, sodas, chocolate drinks and even decaffeinated coffees and teas. This is because, caffeine leaches out the calcium from the body making you feel weak.
Caution: Never miss your morning meal as it the most important meal to get you through the day. A majority of people tend to eat meals late in the night and sleep till the morning prayers. This is not a good thing and has to be avoided.
