How Can You Stay Healthy This Ramadan?
The Holy Month of Ramadan is upon us. It's regarded as the holiest month of the year for Muslims as it was the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The annual observance of Ramadan is one of the 'Five Pillars of Islam' and it is the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn till dusk. But fasting is not just about giving up food and drink. Muslims are encouraged during this time to be better people, and to treat others with more deference. Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to be charitable and give to those less fortunate.
While the main purpose of Ramadan is spiritual and an opportunity for Muslims to 'cleanse the soul', there are of course mental and physical benefits to fasting during Ramadan. It's important to stay healthy during the Holy Month and here's a few tips on how:
Never skip 'Suhour': Your pre-dawn Suhour is vital during Ramadan. It ensures your body has enough fuel to make it through to sunset and makes you less likely to overeat when you break your fast.
Stay active: Inactivity during Ramadan can result in poor fitness levels and even weight gain. Keep active to stay in shape. Exercise has also been known to supress the appetite – all the more reason to go for a 'light' run before you break your fast.
Avoid high-sugar and processed foods: Foods that are heavily processed or high in sugar tend to burn fast – meaning you'll be left with hunger pains and a sugar crash.
Choose the right foods: It's important not to over indulge when breaking your fast. Foods such as dates, fresh juice and soups are an ideal first meal post-fast as they are light and will help to restore blood sugar to normal levels and replenish nutrients lost during the day.
Drink plenty of fluids: Thirst can be just as distracting as hunger during fasting. To help combat it, drink plenty of fluids between Iftar and Suhour to stay hydrated.
Wishing you all a happy, peaceful and healthy Ramadan.
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