The holy month of Ramadan is when Muslims all around the world observe fast throughout the day for the sake of Allah (*SWT). The fasting lasts for an entire lunar month and ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.
While most associate the month of Ramadan with only fasting, it is not so. Muslims are supposed to increase their piety, prayer, remembrance of Allah(*SWT), kindness, charity, and other good deeds during this holy month.
The fast of Ramadan is abstinence from all kinds of food, including water. Muslims are recommended to eat a meal before fasting called Suhoor or Sehri and break their fast with their Iftar meal.
Water and dates are the only two things recommended to be consumed during these two meals. A Muslim might choose to eat anything in these two meals as long as it is halal (permissible/allowed). This is where things get a bit out of hand.
People generally have a tendency to overeat and not plan out their meals, which makes things difficult. Here are 5 things to avoid during Ramadan to be able to feel more healthy and capitalize on the blessings of this holy month (**IA). But Before that, here is something every fasting individual should know.
Effects of Fasting in Ramadan on the Body
Fasting for long periods without food and water is termed intermittent fasting. Depending on where you are in the world, your fast for Ramadan might last from 14 to 22 hours. Contrary to popular belief, modern dietary experts and fitness coaches consider intermittent fasting completely safe and recommend it. Intermittent fasting causes the fat stores of the body to be converted into energy, which leads to the release of ketones in the bloodstream. This process aids in weight loss. Besides assisting in weight loss, long hours of fasting also lowers your blood sugar level, reduces oxidative stress, betters your heart health, induces cellular repair, etc.
The problem begins when one overeats during Iftaar. Your blood sugar levels and insulin levels spike leading to headaches, nausea, and jitters. To avoid this, here are 5 things you need to do.
Avoid Big Meals
People can’t help but overeat during their Iftar meals. Most people generally break their fast with fellow Muslims and the quantity and variety of food are a lot. People also prepare special meals to share with their family and friends. It’s difficult to avoid eating big meals with so much food around, however, it is important to do so. Eating a big meal after an entire day of fasting can give you a nasty headache and end up making you feel sick. Big meals also make people lethargic. As mentioned earlier, Ramadan is about getting closer to Allah (*SWT) through prayer, fasting, and supplication. One should not miss their Maghrib prayer (Sunset prayer) on account of laziness due to overeating at Iftar.
Plan out your Iftar Meal
Most Muslims tend to eat a lot of oily and spicy food for Iftaar. While it is recommended to break your fast with dates and water, having a healthy mix of vitamins, proteins, and minerals is always recommended. Fresh fruits, dried fruits, sauteed vegetables, healthy fats ( chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc), nuts, lean meats (turkey, chicken), fish, and fermented foods (yogurt) are the best foods to have for your iftar meals. If you’re looking for something special for Iftar, our halal turkey breast and halal sausages are exactly what you need to satiate your cravings.
Quench Your Cravings while Avoiding Caffeine
It’s normal to have cravings when fasting all day. Abstinence from food and drink is only during the day. One is free to eat anything from Biryani, Haleem, or good old Texas-style Halal BBQ after Iftar. Figure out your meal plans right from Iftar to Suhoor. If you are craving to eat a delicious Truboy Halal Brisket, we would recommend having it for dinner and cutting down on the portions. We’re not telling you to let go of caffeine but lowering your coffee consumption or switching to decaf is a smart thing to do while you’re fasting in Ramadan. Small planned meals will stop you from feeling sickishly full and help you remain healthy.
Always Stay Hydrated
It’s easier said than done when you’re not drinking water for over 14 hours a day. However, right from Iftar one should diligently focus on drinking at least 2 to 3 liters of water until Suhoor. It is recommended to drink water in sips and not in gulps while sitting down. Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, delivers key nutrients to cells, and assists organ functionality. Eating fruits and vegetables like apples, watermelon, cucumber, broccoli, bell peppers, etc also helps keep you hydrated.
Don’t avoid Suhoor meals
Suhoor is the meal you eat before you begin your day’s fast. Eating a Suhoor meal is highly recommended in Islam for both spiritual and health benefits. It is important to eat a Suhoor meal that keeps you hydrated and energized. Proteins in the form of fish, chicken, turkey, and eggs (boiled not fried) are highly recommended. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits ( dates), and nuts also help build up the right kind of energy your body needs for an entire day of fasting. Best to avoid simple carbohydrates, oily foods, fast foods, aerated drinks, sugary drinks, and food. In case you want to eat nothing, it is highly recommended to simply eat dates (if available) and water for Suhoor.
Conclusion
Despite the many health benefits of fasting, all Muslims fast the entire month of Ramadan because they have been commanded by Allah (*SWT). Planning out your Iftar and Suhoor meals and all your meals in between allows you to stay healthy and active (**IA). Based in Houston, Truboy BBQ delivers Halal BBQ nationwide. We are here to make your Iftar and Suhoor meals better (**IA) with our range of delicious halal BBQs. So, what are you waiting for? We deliver authentic Texas Style BBQ right to your doorstep. We pray to Allah (*SWT) for the blessings and fruits of this pious month. May we all celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr this year happy, healthy, and successful. (**IA)
(*SWT) – Arabic for Subhanahu wata ala – English for ‘The most glorified, the most exalted’.
(**IA) – Arabic for InshaAllah – English for ‘If God wills it or ‘ God willing’.
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