Throughout the Holy month of Ramadan Muslims from all around the world come together to abstain from eating and drinking between the hours of sunrise to sunset. This year Ramadan falls in the middle of a very hot summer so it is important to plan a healthy routine.
Routine is just what the body likes but Ramadan brings a complete change in routine and the body naturally takes a few days to adjust. You will have less energy during the day but in a good way you are forced to slow down take your time and reflect.
Fasting has many benefits for the body and mind. Many people say their sense of taste is heightened after a day of fasting and reminds us that food is a gift from God and should be eaten in moderation.
Food is very special during Ramadan because everyone looks forward to breaking the fast and just the fact of eating makes you feel happy. For many it is the traditional foods from childhood that bring memories flooding back. Food and aromas always bring about memories of past times and places. Make this Ramadan a happy memory for your children to look back upon.
The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to focus on bringing back a balanced and healthy lifestyle in your life. Health is the key to happiness and what we consume directly affects our health and how well we feel.
During Ramadan it is vitally important to take care of yourself, as a healthy body will carry you through the period when you are fasting. The foods you chose to eat have an impact on energy and mood so it is important to think about what your body needs to help it through the periods of fasting. Slow digesting foods are important and should be consumed at Sahoor as these are the foods that keep your hunger at bay and give longer lasting energy. Fast digesting foods containing sugar and white flour will cause a sudden drop in energy levels and these should be regarded as treats and not eaten for breakfast. Traditional wise foods, like dates are excellent for energy, they contain fiber, potassium and magnesium. Bananas are also soothing to the stomach and give slow release of energy that is why tennis players often eat them to prolong their energy. Dates and bananas also help you to avoid muscle cramps.
Constipation
You can avoid this by maintaining good hydration. Drink lots of water through the night and 2 glasses of freshly squeezed juice. Make water your main drink and Ramadan is a good time to slowly decrease your dependency on tea, coffee and cola.
Eat healthy food, and make an effort to include lots of fruit and vegetables in your diet. You can increase the fiber and cereal content of your food by eating muesli, which includes bran, with milk and yogurt, and top it off with fresh fruit and banana. Yogurt is a food for preventing constipation as it helps food move through your body so you have a regular bowel movement.
It is also important to be active to help keep your bowel motions as regular. Try for a regular evening stroll.
Another common problem is gas or wind, which is generally caused by drinking fizzy or carbonated drinks and colas. During Ramadan make simple water your main drink Avoid drinking more than two cans of cola or two cups of coffee or tea as they can keep you awake at night, and they also have a diuretic effect on the body. If you give them up completely in Ramadan you will experience withdrawal symptom such as headaches, so cut down gradually.
Gentle exercise
It is important for the circulation to maintain some kind of exercise. Get into the habit of taking an evening walk after Iftar. Fresh air is important for your body and it will also help you to sleep well. During the hottest part of the day, stay indoors and limit your physical activity. Rest if possible. I wish you all Ramadan Kareem.
Ramadan Recipe
Qamar Ed-Deen Drink
Qamar Ed-Deen is apricot paste, spread in sheets and sundried. To prepare this drink, pieces of Qamar Ed-Deen are soaked in warm water until they are completely dissolved.
After a few hours you get a sweet drink consumed traditionally during Ramadan.
Ingredients
3 sheets of dried apricot paste
2-1/2 cups hot water
3 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons orange blossom water
Method
Cut the apricot sheets into small pieces.
Put the pieces in a bowl and add the hot water.
Leave for 2 hours or more, stirring from time to time for the pieces to dissolve.
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve.
Add sugar and orange blossom water.
Let it cool in the refrigerator for an hour and serve in glasses.
Ask Alva
How can I prevent headaches during the day in Ramadan?
— Myra
This common problem has many causes. Headaches during a fast could be due to dehydration or hunger, poor rest, or the absence of addictive substances such as caffeine or nicotine. A moderate and balanced diet, especially not missing the pre-dawn meal, taking in enough fluids and, if necessary, some painkillers such as paracetamol, can help prevent or reduce the risk of headache. If the problem persists speak to your doctor.
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