The month of Ramadan, brings daily fasting right from the dawn till dusk for the individuals. During the fast, a pre dawn meal is taken and an evening meal named Iftar is taken. During the fasting, a nutritious diet is required to keep the energy levels high for fasting for long hours. The holy month is all about self control and self discipline when it comes to eating. Here are the top tips for healthy eating during Ramadan. Take a look at the tips and practice them for happy fasting:
- Go for real foods instead of processed and junk foods
The processed foods may seem to be a convenient option after a tiring day, but these foods have a high level of fructose syrup, sodium and unhealthy oils, which is not good during fasting. Also, intake of junk foods keep you away from the much needed nutrients. So, the best way out is to go for locally produced veggies and fruits which are healthy and nutritious. You can even prepare various dishes using these real food products in your kitchen.
- Drink plenty of water and other hydrating food items
Make sure to keep your body hydrated by increasing your intake of water during the day. As the heat is high, the level of sweating is quite high, thus drinking at least 10-15 glasses of water during the Ramadan fasting is required to replace the fluid loss that takes place during the day. You can even add hydrating foods such as watermelon, tomato and cucumber in your Iftar to keep the body hydrated. It is best to avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee during the Ramadan fasting.
- Avoid white food items
The white foods are a big No when it comes to opening fast during Ramadan. The white foods such as white rice, white bread and white sugar carries no nutrition with them and just adds on to the fat quotient when taken in a slightly large amount during Iftar.
- Avoid sugary and fried food items
Instead of going for the fried food items, try opting for baked ones. You can get your favourite Iftar food items baked instead of frying them. This is because the fried food items are heavy in terms of oil and thus very hard to digest, particularly at the time when they are taken for breaking the fast. For sugary food items, consider using the natural sugars such as honey or raw cane sugar instead of using the sugar preservatives which are way too more sweet.
- Go for a balanced and healthy Iftar diet
Traditionally, dates are used to break the fast and is considered the healthiest Iftar. This is because the dates are considered an excellent resource for grabbing fibers for the body. Select whole grains that provide the body with the needed fiber and energy.
- Avoid overeating
There is a great chance that you will tend to overeat during Iftar as your body is tired and needs food to keep its engines going. Usually when we get to see the food after long, the temptation of the food is such that we tend to enjoy the meal so much that we end up eating more than our normal diet. Make sure to eat only the adequate portions of the food items and avoid overeating. One tip you can use for avoiding eating more is to eat slowly. This way you will not eat more than what is required by your body.
We wish everyone who observes Ramadan this month has a peaceful and happy time. Our valuable tips will be of great help to you!
