What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It is considered a holy month in Islam and lasts for 29-30 days. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. This means they do not eat or drink anything while the sun is up. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the basic acts of worship that all Muslims must follow. The fast is meant to increase spiritual reflection, prayer, and charity.
Suhoor is an early morning meal eaten before the sun rises during Ramadan. It's the last chance to eat and drink before the fast begins for the day. Muslims wake up early to eat suhoor, so they have energy to get through the long fast ahead. Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. As soon as the call to prayer is heard, Muslims break their fast by eating dates and drinking water.
Ramadan culminates with Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration marked by gift-giving, special prayers, and feasts among family and friends. The community solidarity during Ramadan is also important, as is the joyful celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
What To Eat During Ramadan Fast?
The most important things to remember are drinking enough water and eating nutritious foods. During the non-fasting hour, when you can eat and drink, make sure to drink lots of water and things without sugar. This will keep your body hydrated. For suhoor and iftar, you can have some nuts, dried fruits, fresh fruits, and veggies. Additionally, beans, lentils, yoghurt and other healthy proteins are good to add to your diet. You can have some sweets or fried foods in moderation.
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Fill up on nutritious foods at suhoor to power you through the day ahead. You can go for dishes like oatmeal and whole grains, protein from eggs and beans, and healthy fats from nuts. Drink plenty of fluids, like smoothies and juice, to stay hydrated when fasting. A balanced meal will sustain your energy and health during the whole period of fasting.
Also Read: Ramadan Special: Beverages For Sehri
For Iftaar, it is best to start with 3 juicy dates to break your fast and get energy. Sip water often to stay hydrated. Pile your plate with veggies for vitamins. Choose whole grains for lasting energy. Grill lean meats, chicken or fish for protein.
What Not To Eat During Ramadan Fast?
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While fasting, it's important to make smart food choices that provide lasting energy and hydration. Avoid fried foods like samosas or kachoris, which are high in fat and salt - they'll leave you feeling sluggish and dehydrated. You might want to go easy on the chutneys and pickles too, as the sodium causes bloating and dehydration. Skip sugary juices and sodas as well; the sugar rush wears off quickly. Caffeinated or carbonated beverages can disrupt your fluid levels, so it's best to avoid them while fasting; if possible, avoid drinking coffee or tea.
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Avoid greasy, salty and sugary items which can lead to dehydration and exhaustion. How you cook also matters. Boil, grill, roast, or steam food instead of frying. It's lighter on your body. At dinner, skip heavy spices that can upset your stomach. Use fresh herbs for flavour and health benefits.